But I still insist you clear your mind of these thoughts . . .
You'd better take bromide.
A teaspoonful three times a day.'
'He's young.
But he is as full of corruption as a thousand-year-old devil.
He leads women into debauchery, young men to sin, and already the war-trumpets of the legions of evil are sounding and behind them is seen the countenance of Satan himself.'
'Trotsky?'
'Yes, that is the name the Evil One has taken.
But his real name in Hebrew is Abaddonna, in Greek Apollyon, which means "the destroyer".'
'I'm telling you seriously that unless you stop this you, well . . . it's developing into a mania with you . . .'
'No, doctor, I'm quite normal.
What is the fee, doctor, for your sacred work?'
'Look, why do you keep using the word "sacred"?
I see nothing particularly sacred in my work.
I charge the same for a course of treatment as every other doctor.
If you want me to treat you, leave a deposit.'
'Very well.'
He unbuttoned his tunic.
'Perhaps you're short of money', muttered Alexei, glancing at the threadbare knees of his patient's trousers.
'No, he's no swindler ... or burglar . . . but he may go out of his mind.'
'No, doctor, I'll raise the money.
In your own way you ease the lot of mankind.'
'And sometimes very successfully.
Now please be sure and take exactly the prescribed amount of bromide.'
'With respect, doctor, it is only above that we can obtain complete relief.' With an inspired gesture the patient pointed up to the white ceiling. 'Now we can all look forward to a time of trial such as we have never seen . . .
And it will come very soon.'
'Thanks for the warning.
I have already experienced quite enough of a trial.'
'There will be no escaping it, doctor. No escape', muttered the patient, as he struggled into his mohair overcoat in the lobby. 'For it is written: the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.'
. . . Where have I heard that before?
Ah yes, of course, when I was talking politics with the priest.
So he's found a kindred spirit - remarkable . . .
'Take my advice and don't spend so much time reading the Book of Revelations.
I repeat, it's doing you harm.
Goodbye.
Tomorrow at six, please.
Anyuta, show the patient out, please . . .' *
'Don't refuse it...
I wanted the person who saved my life to have something to remember me by . . . this bracelet belonged to my late mother . . .'
'No, you mustn't . . .
What for? ...
I don't want you to . . .' replied Julia Reiss, warding off Alexei with a gesture. But he insisted and fastened the dark, heavy metal bracelet around her pale wrist.
It made her look altogether more beautiful . . . even in the half-light he could see her blushing.
Unable to help himself, Alexei put his right arm around Julia's neck, drew her to him and kissed her several times on the cheek.
As he did so his walking-stick dropped from his weakened hand and it fell noisily against the legs of a chair.
'Go . . .' whispered Julia, 'you must go now.
Before it's too late.
Petlyura's wagons are driving through the streets.
Take care they don't catch you.'
'You are very dear to me', whispered Alexei. 'Please let me come and see you again.'