human
Do not take it ill Doctor Stephen; your professor is a genius, and this is only one of those freaks of genius which borders on madness. A consumptive professor to come down from his chair, and enroll himself with the army! A lovely accession!
gpt
Fernow is not consumptive, said the doctor with great positiveness.
human
My colleague knows that as well as I, and his nervous disease might not be discernible in a moment of excitement;--to learn that would require longer observation. His position does not fully release the professor from the service; he is young yet, scarcely as old as Frederic. If I had only had a suspicion of this proceeding, I would gladly have prevented it by giving the necessary hint about the nervous trouble, which God knows I could have done with a good conscience. But who could have foreseen all this? The matter was not arranged here in B.--and now it is too late.
gpt
But Herr Doctor --in mortal anguish Frederic gazed at the physician,--
human
Well, don't take it so tragically, said the doctor,
gpt
We will see what can be done. Your master's proceeding cannot be recalled, but perhaps we can arrange it so that he will be allowed some light service in some of the bureaus or official departments. I will take the necessary steps in this direction; but above all things I must speak to him myself. He came back with you?
human
Yes, said Frederic, with a sigh of relief,
gpt
I only ran on ahead.
human
Well, go now, and arrange your own affairs. Are you, too, going, Mr. Atkins?
gpt
Only for a quarter of an hour--to get cooled off! I feel an urgent necessity of convincing myself that somewhere there exists in B. something that is not upside down. Miss Forest seems to have a similar feeling. May I request your company, Jane!
human
I--am weary!
gpt
Jane is evidently out of sorts to-day! said the doctor to Atkins, when they reached the balcony outside, whither he had accompanied his visitor.
human
Scarce a word can we get from her! She seems to have changed very much during the last fortnight. Do you know the reason of this persistent ill-humor?
gpt
The reason, at this moment, abides in Paris, thought Atkins, but he replied aloud, and in an indifferent tone:
human
I suppose that Mr. Alison, my young countryman, to whom I introduced you a short time ago, brought Miss Forest letters and tidings from her intimate acquaintances, which are the cause of the change in her demeanor. At least, I have received a hint to that effect.
gpt
Well, that is only natural, said the doctor unsuspectingly.
human
I feared there was something in my house or in its surroundings, which had displeased her.