of intimacy. "Genius.... A great
irresponsible genius.... Difficult to help.... I wish I could do more
for him."

A very sweet and charming lady. It was with great regret that the doctor
found the time had come to turn to his left-hand neighbour.

Section 2

It was with some surprise that Dr. Martineau received a fresh appeal
for aid from Sir Richmond. It was late in October and Sir Richmond was
already seriously ill. But he was still going about his business as
though he was perfectly well. He had not mistaken his man. Dr. Martineau
received him as though there had never been a shadow of offence between
them.

He came straight to the point. "Martineau," he said, "I must have those
drugs I asked you for when first I came to you now. I must be bolstered
up. I can't last out unless I am. I'm at the end of my energy. I come to
you because you will understand. The Commission can't go on now for more
than another three weeks. Whatever happens afterwards I must keep going
until then."

The doctor did understand. He made no vain objections. He did what he
could to patch up his friend for his last struggles with the opposition
in the Committee. "Pro forma," he said, stethoscope in hand, "I must
order you to bed. You won't go. But I order you. You must know that
what you are doing is risking your life. Your lungs are congested,
the bronchial tubes already. That may spread at any time. If this open
weather lasts you may go about and still pull through. But at any time
this may pass into pneumonia. And there's not much in you just now to
stand up against pneumonia...."

"I'll take all reasonable care."

"Is your wife at home!"

"She is in Wales with her people. But the household is well trained. I
can manage."

"Go in a closed car from door to door. Wrap up like a mummy. I wish
the Committee room wasn't down those abominable House of Commons
corridors...."

They parted with an affectionate handshake.

Section 3

Death approved of Sir Richmond's determination to see the Committee
through. Our universal creditor gave this particular debtor grace to the
very last meeting. Then he brushed a gust of chilly rain across the face
of Sir Richmond as he stood waiting for his car outside the strangers'
entrance to the House. For a couple of days Sir Richmond felt almost
intolerably tired, but scarcely noted the changed timbre of the wheezy
notes in his throat. He rose later each day and with ebbing vigour,
jotted down note