"Fortunately, you are right. Burr was essentially a selfish baby. I can't imagine him spending his life looking for a wife and children he had lost. In future, Carol, if you must fall in love at all, do it suddenly. You choose much better that way."
"Yes, I know," she said. "Except for the fact that the wife and children may interfere. But don't worry, Dad. This time I'm not quitting my job and moving several million miles away to try to forget."
"There'll be no need for that." His face took on a troubled expression. "You'll have to face your problem right here."
"You haven't answered my question," said Carol. "Do you really think you can help him?"
"That isn't an easy one to answer. We'll have to prepare him for a shock, Carol. A first-class shock. That's why I wanted to be sure you were in love with him. It may make things easier for him to stand."
"What things?"
Her father hesitated. "Have you ever heard of this L-treatment he mentioned?"
She shook her head.