Vértessy's eyes interrogated the doctor as if he hoped for some comforting reassurance from him.
The doctor beckoned him aside.
"She is suffering tortures," he whispered, "but she would hide it from you."
"She may hide it in her voice, but I can tell it is so from her breathing. Is the danger great?"
The doctor shrugged his shoulders.
"Pretty much as usual. She is very nervous, and besides that, there is something on her mind."
"What can it be?"
"It would be as well, General, if you ascertained. At such a time peace of mind is a matter of life or death, and fear or any feeling of anxiety might have a bad effect upon—a new life."
At the words "a new life" that involuntary gleam of joy flashed across Vértessy's lips once more. He went back to his wife and knelt down on her tapestried cushion.
"Cornelia, how are you?"