The road led out of the village and then zigzagged upwards.
The sanatorium lay on a height above the village.
It was an elongated, white structure with long series of windows. In front of each window was a balcony.
On the roof a flag waved in the wind.
I had expected it to be fitted up like a hospital, but on the ground floor at least it was more like a hotel.
In the hall was a big open fire and a number of small tables spread with tea things.
We reported ourselves at the office.
A manservant fetched in our luggage and an elderly woman explained that Pat had room Number 79.
I enquired if I could also have a room, for a few days.
She shook her head.
"Not in the sanatorium.
But in the annex, perhaps."
"Where's the annex?"
"Right alongside."
"Good," said I; "then give me a room there and have my luggage sent over."
We travelled in a perfectly silent lift up to the second floor.
Up there it did look rather more like a hospital—a very comfortable hospital, it'is true, but nevertheless a hospital.
White passages, white doors, everywhere sparkling with glass, nickel, and cleanliness.
A sister in charge received us.
"Fraulein Hollmann?"
"Yes," said Pat. "Room Seventy-nine, isn't it?"
The sister nodded, went ahead and opened a door.
"Here is your room."
It was a bright, middle-sized room into which the evening sun was shining through a wide window.
On the table was a vase of blue and red asters, and outside lay the brilliant snow fields in which the village nestled as under a great white blanket.
"Do you like it?" I asked Pat.
She looked at me a moment.
"Yes," she then said.
The manservant brought the trunks.
"When must I be examined?" Pat asked the sister.
"To-morrow morning.
You had better go to sleep early to-night so that you'll be rested."
Pat took off her coat and laid it on the white bed, above, which a new temperature chart had been placed.
"Must I do anything now?" asked Pat.
The sister shook her head.
"Not to-day.
Not till after the examination to-morrow will anything be settled.
The examination's at ten.
I'll fetch you."
"Thank you, sister," said Pat.
The nurse went.
The manservant still waited at the door. I gave him a tip and he also went.
It suddenly was very still in the room.
Pat was standing at the window looking out.
Her head was quite dark against the glow outside.
"Are you tired?" I asked.
She turned round.
"No."
"You look it," said I.
"I'm tired another way, Robby.