"And the time limit—for the operation?" he asked.
He was thinking only of his wife. Phyllis understood.
The doctor deliberated.
"A week. Perhaps less."
Phyllis caught her breath.
"How much less?"
The exactness of Hendrie's mind demanded satisfying.
"Safety in five days. Risk in seven. That's the utmost limit."
Again the girl caught her breath. Hendrie did not move a muscle. Presently he spoke again.
"Failing—all else—will—you undertake the operation?"