"It is unfortunate that you have no nurse, Mr. Cohen," he said; "your wife needs constant care and watchfulness."
"She will have it, doctor. Is she any better, sir? How is she progressing?"
"She is still the same, still the same; no better and no worse."
"It is not in her favor, doctor, that she remains the same?"
"No, I cannot conscientiously say it is. At this stage a little additional strength would be of great assistance to her. Nature's forces require rallying--but we will hope for the best, Mr. Cohen."
"We will, doctor, but will hope avail?"
His sad voice struck significantly upon the doctor's ears. "Perhaps not, but it is a consolation."
"There are human griefs, sir, for which there is no consolation. I cannot wrest my thoughts from the selfish view. There are sorrows that come so close home as to take complete possession of us."
"It is human, Mr. Cohen, it is natural; but we must not shut out resignation, fortitude, submission."
"Doctor, will you speak plainly to me? It will be merciful."