Do not worry and excite yourself.
Be a good boy."
"Will you have a drink?" I asked.
"No thank you.
I never drink alcohol."
"Just have one." I rang for the porter to bring glasses.
"No. No thank you. They are waiting for me."
"Good-by," I said.
"Good-by."
Two hours later Dr. Valentini came into the room.
He was in a great hurry and the points of his mustache stood straight up.
He was a major, his face was tanned and he laughed all the time.
"How did you do it, this rotten thing?" he asked. "Let me see the plates.
Yes.
Yes.
That's it.
You look healthy as a goat.
Who's the pretty girl?
Is she your girl?
I thought so.
Isn't this a bloody war?
How does that feel?
You are a fine boy.
I'll make you better than new.
Does that hurt?
You bet it hurts.
How they love to hurt you, these doctors.
What have they done for you so far?
Can't that girl talk Italian?
She should learn.
What a lovely girl.
I could teach her.
I will be a patient here myself.
No, but I will do all your maternity work free.
Does she understand that?
She will make you a fine boy.
A fine blonde like she is.
That's fine.
That's all right.
What a lovely girl.
Ask her if she eats supper with me.
No I won't take her away from you.
Thank you.
Thank you very much, Miss.
That's all."
"That's all I want to know." He patted me on the shoulder. "Leave the dressings off."
"Will you have a drink, Dr. Valentini?"
"A drink?
Certainly. I will have ten drinks.
Where are they?"