human
He is so interested in your recovery, Dr. Leaver, that he is willing, anxious, to spare me. There are other capable assistants, plenty of them.
gpt
But none trained to his hand, as you are trained.
human
I see. It's worth everything to an operator to have a right-hand man--or woman--like that. One doesn't often find a woman capable of taking the part, but, when one is, she is like a second brain to the operator. Well, I'll soon release you. I don't need to be coddled now, though it's very pleasant. I shall remember these walks and talks and hours with books. If one must be disabled, it's much to be looked after by one who seems a friend.
gpt
But--Dr Leaver!-- She spoke in some alarm.
human
You mustn't talk of dismissing me like this--unless you are dissatisfied with me. I know Dr. Burns is taking great satisfaction in having me give my time to you. If I am helping you at all--
gpt
You are. But--I must help myself.... Never mind. He closed his eyes again.
human
Tell me about yourself--as Dr. Burns's assistant. Do you enjoy making things ready for him?
gpt
Yes, I suppose I take pride in having everything as he will want it. I know quite well what he wants, by this time.
human
Yes. And he can depend on you. When the time comes for the start, you have yourself well in hand? No quick pulse--short breath?
gpt
Why, it would not be possible, I suppose, to be so self-controlled as that. Even Dr. Burns is not. He has told me, more than once, that his heart is pounding like an engine when he goes into an operation, or when he faces an unexpected emergency, in the course of it.
human
Ah!... But it doesn't affect his work--or yours--this racing of the engine?
gpt
One forgets it, I think, when one is once at work. Dr. Leaver, look at that squirrel! Out on the roof of the house--at the back. Do you see him peering over at us? Inquisitive little creature!
human
Like myself. Yes, I see his small majesty. Well, tell me, please, why you like the work so much? You wouldn't give it up?
gpt
Oh, no!
human
And the reason why you like it--am I too curious? Do you mind telling me?
gpt
Why, not at all. I can--hardly tell you, though, what it is that makes me like it. Of course, I'm happy to have a hand, even though it's only an assistant's hand, in saving life. But--the life isn't always saved. I suppose, the real secret of it is one likes to be doing the thing one can do best.
human
That's it! He drew a heavy breath.
gpt
The thing one can do best. And when that thing is the setting poor, disabled human machinery straight--making it run smoothly again! One can hardly imagine turning one's hand to--book-binding, making things in brass, dressing dolls, to take up one's time, occupy one's mind, keep one's hands busy, after having known the practice of a profession like that!