"To be on the safe side."
"But how long will it last?"
"It is nearly over."
"Please speak frankly. Do you expect any complication?"
"At present there are no serious symptoms. Have confidence in me, and be calm. I have noticed that your presence greatly excites your wife. During the short period of the final pains, she needs all the strength she has. It is absolutely necessary that you go away. Promise me to do this. You may return when I call you."
A moan reached us.
"The pains are beginning again," he said. "The crisis has come. So be calm."
He went toward the door. I followed him. We both went up to Juliana. She seized my arm, and her clutch was like a bite. Had she so much strength left?
"Be brave! be brave! This is the last. All will be well. Is it not so, doctor?" I stammered.
"Yes, yes. There is no time to lose. Let your husband leave the room, signora."