“I am doing all that is possible, my dear. I am giving him tonic medicine with the idea of counteracting any evil produced by the sedative dose he takes. If you can suggest a better line to pursue, pray let me hear it.”
“No, no,” said Claude sadly; “I am very ignorant and helpless. Does he really require this medicine?”
“Yes, and no, my child. He suffers terribly from insomnia, and nothing can be worse for a weary man than to be lying sleepless, night after night. It is a serious complaint.”
“Yes,” sighed Claude.
“He must have sleep, and to my mind the chloral seems the best thing to get it.”
“But you said yes and no, doctor?”
“I did. Well, then, no. Your father does not require this medicine if he will only change his course of life.”
Claude sighed.
“Do you wish me to speak plainly as your friend?”
“Yes; of course.”