The White Plague [Volume: 7(1988), pp. 431-504]

THE WHITE PLAGUE 45 3
GALEN
No, no. Thank you, thank you very much.
CHIEF ASSISTANT
Well, well be on our way. I have a feeling Dr. Galen wants to be alone.
(They both exit. GALEN looks around, and when he sees he is alone he
takes a roll out of his pocket, and leaning against the door, bites into it.)
SIGELIUS (returning)
Ah, Galen! Just the man I wanted to see. Congratulations! It's a great
success. A brilliant success!
GALEN (swallowing as he speaks)
Don't you think... we ought to hold off a while longer, sir?
SIGELIUS
By all means, Innocence my boy, by all means. Though the results are
positively astounding... Oh, before I forget, you'll be having a private
patient...
GALEN
But I... I have no private practice...
SIGELIUS
I realize that, Galen, and can only praise your decision to devote yourself
entirely to science. But this is a case I've handpicked for you. You'll see.
GALEN
But I gave you my word...my word of honour... I would treat only
the patients in Ward Thirteen...
SIGELIUS
True, Galen. But let's just say that for this case I release you from your
word of honour.
GALEN
But it... it means a lot to me.
SIGELIUS
What are you trying to say, Galen?
GALEN
That I won't take anyone on until I've completed my tests.
SIGELIUS
Perhaps I haven't made myself clear I have agreed to take on this case.