Patient No. 21. Dr. Thorne used to say that if we had better doctors, we shouldn’t need so many surgeons. He said the true treatment would prevent half the surgery in the city.
(Dr. Thorne starts, and moves towards the patient.)
Dr. Gazell (soothingly). Yes. Just so. Dr. Thorne had great confidence in himself.
Patient (rousing). No more than his patients had in him.
Dr. Carver. Irritable! Very irritable! A significant symptom, Dr. Gazell. In my opinion, this extreme irritability demands an operation for appendicitis.
First Nurse (listening, laughs; addresses Second Nurse). Now, if one could only apply that! Take a cross man,—any cross man,—say a brother, or a husband, or even a doctor, and if he carried it too far, just call on Dr. Carver. Why, it would revolutionize society. And he is so expert! He doesn’t mind it any more than carving a goo—oose. Yes, sir! I’m coming. (Demurely obedient; hurries to Dr. Gazell.)
(Second Nurse moves to the rear of the ward to a patient behind a screen.)
(Dr. Thorne advances slowly; stands in the middle of the ward, unnoticed.)
Patient No. 21 (louder). I say, when a man’s dead is the time to speak for him. And I’ll stand up for my dear dead doctor as long as I live.
Voice from another cot. And so would I,—and longer, if I got the chance.