XXVIII
THE NEW LIFE
The first thing I can remember after coming to consciousness was the feeling that strangers were around me. I could not see them, but I knew they were there. I remember trying to open my eyes, but I could see nothing; I heard whispered voices, however.
"Is he dead?"
"I am not quite sure. No, he's not dead, his pulse still beats!"
"Will he live, do you think?"
"Difficult to say. He came out of it all right, but his vitality is very low."
"Was the operation severe?"
"Yes, very severe; it is a miracle that he has lived as long as he has. I must go by the Riviera express to-morrow morning, but I will call about eight o'clock."
"Have you any further orders to give?"