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

THE WHITE PLAGUE 461
Hey, let me through! What's in there? What's it like?... Stand back! God,
it's awful! Let me through!
FIRST REPORTER
They're all... They've all... had it, wouldn't you say?
DEPUTY ASSISTANT
Naturally. And here, in Ward Thirteen, you will see how our patients look
after a treatment of only several weeks. Go ahead. There's nothing to
fear...
(The REPORTERS file hesitantly into Ward Thirteen. Enter SIGELIUS,
beaming.)
DEPUTY ASSISTANT
The newspapermen have just gone into Thirteen, sir.
SIGELIUS
Oh, for some time to myself. I was so moved just now... No, I'd better
get it over with.
DEPUTY ASSISTANT
Dr. Sigelius will see you now.
REPORTERS (filing out into the corridor)
It's a miracle! Amazing! Unbelievable!
DEPUTY ASSISTANT
Dr. Sigelius will be glad to answer your questions, gentlemen.
SIGELIUS
You must forgive me if I seem a bit overwrought... If you could have
experienced the compassion, the moral fibre, the heroism of our Marshal
as he leaned over the beds of those unfortunates... It was a moment I
shall never forget, gentlemen.
FIRST REPORTER
What did he say?
SIGELIUS
His words were so flattering I can hardly...
DEPUTY ASSISTANT
If you'll permit me, sir... What His Excellency said was 'It's nothing
short of a miracle. Congratulations, Dr. Sigelius. You have accomplished
a great task.'