Shadow of Doom Read Free Page B

Palfrey.
    â€˜My dear Doctor—a thousand thanks,’ he said, effusively, extending a hand and clasping Palfrey’s. ‘I know the value of your time, I know that you have scarcely the opportunity to see all the patients who flock to your rooms. To find time for me among your illustrious patients is an honour indeed— a great honour,’ he continued, and lifted his eyes towards the ceiling, ‘and one which gives me hope.’
    â€˜I’m so glad,’ murmured Palfrey.
    He opened his eyes wide; it was probably not the reception he had expected.
    â€˜Sit down, please,’ said Palfrey.
    â€˜May I continue to stand?’ asked Dias, taking a cigar-case out. ‘And will you permit me to—’
    â€˜If you don’t mind, no smoking in here,’ said Palfrey. ‘Some patients don’t like it. Others can’t stand it. The effect of smoke on certain stomachs is distressing.’ He beamed, and looked at Dias’s stomach.
    He did not like Señor Fernandez y Dias, but he could not say on what he based his dislike, for the Castilian’s was not an unpleasant face. It was a clever one, thought Palfrey. The mouth was small and red, like van Doorn’s in colour, he was black-haired and clean-shaven, and had powdered after shaving. His eyes were fine, with lashes which would have been more becoming on a woman. His nose was a little prominent, but it was a well-shaped nose, and in spite of the fat jowl it was impossible to disguise the fact that he had a sizable chin. A handsome and imposing man, who seemed startled when asked not to smoke, but quickly covered his confusion.
    â€˜I come on a mission of such great importance that I cannot too heavily emphasise it,’ said Dias. ‘Dr. Palfrey, I have travelled far, I am a man of many acquaintances, on my country’s behalf I have had the honour of meeting many famous men, and this—I do assure you—this is an honour greater than any hitherto bestowed on me!’
    â€˜Oh, please,’ said Palfrey, shrinking.
    â€˜But it is, sir, I insist that it is,’ boomed Dias. ‘I am standing’ – his voice was low, there was a quiver in it, and his chin seemed to quiver in sympathy – ‘before the greatest specialist in the treatment of tuberculosis in the world. Please!’ He raised his hand, palm outwards. It was a small, plump, white hand, and he wore three rings. ‘There is no doubt that I am right. In New York, in Paris, in London—everywhere I go, everywhere I am told—Dr. Palfrey might help you, there is none other.’
    â€˜If I can,’ murmured Palfrey.
    â€˜You are so good, so very good,’ said Dias, humbly. ‘I was told of your courtesy, also. My dear Doctor, I come because I am in great distress. Not for myself—I would ask no such favour for myself, please believe me, please. I ask for another, for the wife of our illustrious President.’ He bowed.
    â€˜Oh,’ said Palfrey, and found himself trying to think of the name of the then President of Castilia. There had been several changes in recent months, and he had not been able to keep pace with them. There were suspicions that the purge of Nazi sympathisers, announced with such a blowing of trumpets early that year, had not been as complete as it was pretended. Castilia was still the Awful Child of South America, rated low by many politicians and journalists; governments, of late, had been chary of passing comment on Castilia’s internal affairs.
    â€˜She is so beautiful a woman, so gentle, so long-suffering,’ said Dias, softly. ‘If only it were possible for her to come here, to stand beside me, you would understand the beauty, the charm, the magnetism of the President’s wife.’
    â€˜You make it very clear,’ murmured Palfrey.
    â€˜Thank you!’ boomed Dias, suddenly enlivened. ‘You are understanding, kind, and you raise my hopes. The