human
Well? said Ogilvie, just glancing at him.
gpt
It's all right, I suppose.
human
It is not the custom for a doctor at an insurance office to tell his patient anything about the result of the examination, was Rashleigh's answer.
gpt
You'll hear all in good time.
human
But there really is no time to lose, and you are an old friend. You look grave. If it cannot be done, of course it cannot, but I should like to know.
gpt
When do you propose to go to Australia?
human
I may not go at all. In fact if---- Ogilvie suddenly leaned against the table. Once again he felt faint and giddy.
gpt
If this is all right, I shall probably not go.
human
But suppose it is not all right?
gpt
Then I sail on Saturday.
human
I may as well tell you the truth, said Rashleigh;
gpt
What do you mean?
human
Heart,
gpt
Heart! Mine? Not affected?
human
Yes.
gpt
Seriously?
human
It is hard to answer that question. The heart is a strange organ, and capable of a vast amount of resuscitation; nevertheless, in your case the symptoms are grave; the aortic valve is affected. It behooves you to be very careful.
gpt
Does this mean that I---- Ogilvie dropped into a chair.
human
Rashleigh, he said suddenly,
gpt
I had a horrible attack last night. I forgot it this morning when I came to you, but it was horrible while it lasted. I thought myself, during those moments of torture, within a measurable--a very measurable distance of the end.
human
Describe your sensations,
gpt
Now, my dear fellow, I have a word to say. This insurance cannot be done. But, for yourself, you must avoid excitement. I should like to prescribe a course of living for you. I have studied the heart extensively.
human
Will nothing put me straight? Cure me, I mean?
gpt
I fear not.
human
Well, good-by, Rashleigh; I will call round to see you some evening.
gpt
Do. I should like you to have the advice of a specialist, Anderson, the greatest man in town on the heart.
human
But where is the use? If you cannot cure me, he cannot.
gpt
You may live for years and years, and die of something else in the end.
human
Just what was said to my father, who did not live for years and years, answered the man.
gpt
I won't keep you any longer, Rashleigh.
human
Doomed.
gpt
You don't look well, Mr. Ogilvie.
human
Never mind about my looks, Harrison, replied Ogilvie.
gpt
I have a great deal to do, and need your best attention.
human
Certainly, sir; but, all the same, you don't look well.
gpt
Looks are nothing, replied Ogilvie.
human
I shall soon be all right. Harrison, I am off to Australia on Saturday.