human
Yes, he said slowly at length.
gpt
I am afraid you have asked the impossible of me now. But, notwithstanding that, if I could see my way to it, I would place myself in your hands without reservation--and take my chance. There are times now and then--now and then-- his words quickened a little,
human
He broke off; his lips usually so steady had begun to twitch.
gpt
I'm a fool, Capper, he murmured apologetically.
human
Make allowances for a sick man!
gpt
Look here! said Capper.
human
This is a big decision for you to make off-hand. You can take three months anyway to think it over. You are getting stronger, you know. By then you'll be stronger still. You won't be well. Nothing but surgical measures can ever make you well. And you'll go on suffering that infernal pain. But three months one way or another won't make much difference. I am due in London in September for the Schultz Medical Conference. I'll run over then and see if you've made up your mind.
gpt
Will you, doctor? That's real kind of you. Lucas's eyes brightened. He stretched out a hand which Capper grasped and laid gently down.
human
And if you undertake the job--
gpt
If you are fit to go through it, Capper broke in,
human
I'll do it right away before I leave. You'll spend the winter on your back. And in the spring I'll come again and finish the business. That second operation is a more delicate affair than the first, but I don't consider it more dangerous. By this time next year, or soon after, you'll be walking like an ordinary human being. I'll have you as lissom as an Indian.
gpt
Meanwhile, my friend, he said,
human
Ah! Lucas said.
gpt
You will have to forego that condition, doctor. I am no ladies' man. Shall I tell you what a woman said to me the other day?
human
Well?
gpt
That I was like a mother to her.
human
I should like to meet that woman,
gpt
Why?
human
P'r'aps she'd tell me I was like a father. Who knows?
gpt
Are you fond of women?
human
I adore them,
gpt
I'll take you to see her this afternoon if you can spare the time,
human
Oh, I can spend the afternoon philandering so long as I catch the night train to Liverpool, Capper answered promptly.
gpt
Meanwhile you must get a rest while I go and take a dose of air and sunshine in the yard.