A man of genius."
"Yes," she said in an undertone of intimacy. "Genius.... A great
irresponsible genius.... Difficult to help.... I wish I could do more
for him."
A very sweet and charming lady. It was with great regret that the doctor
found the time had come to turn to his left-hand neighbour.
Section 2
It was with some surprise that Dr. Martineau received a fresh appeal
for aid from Sir Richmond. It was late in October and Sir Richmond was
already seriously ill. But he was still going about his business as
though he was perfectly well. He had not mistaken his man. Dr. Martineau
received him as though there had never been a shadow of offence between
them.
He came straight to the point. "Martineau," he said, "I must have those
drugs I asked you for when first I came to you now. I must be bolstered
up. I can't last out unless I am. I'm at the end of my energy. I come to
you because you will understand. The Commission can't go on now for more
than another three weeks. Whatever happens afterwards I must keep going
until then."
The doctor did understand. He made no vain objections. He did what he
could to patch up his friend for his last struggles with the opposition
in the Committee. "Pro forma," he said, stethoscope in hand, "I must
order you to bed.
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