-a total ignorance of the commonest methods of prevention----

NICHOLLS (_his eyes shiftily avoiding the doctor's face_). Then the
kids might have gotten it--by kissing Eileen?

GAYNOR. It stands to reason that's a common means of communication.

NICHOLLS (_very much shaken_). Yes. I suppose it must be. But that's
terrible, isn't it? (_With sudden volubility, evidently extremely
anxious to wind up this conversation and conceal his thoughts from_
Gaynor.) I'll promise you, Doctor, I'll tell Carmody straight what's
what. He'll pay attention to me or I'll know the reason why.

GAYNOR (_getting to his feet and picking up his overcoat_). Good boy!
You've probably saved me a disagreeable squabble. I won't wait for
Carmody. The sight of him makes me lose my temper. Tell him I'll be
back to-morrow with definite information about the sanatorium.

NICHOLLS (_helping him on with his overcoat, anxious to have him go_).
All right, Doctor.

GAYNOR (_puts on his hat_). And do your best to cheer the patient up
when you talk to her. Give her confidence in her ability to get well.
That's half the battle. And she'll believe it, coming from you.

NICHOLLS (_hastily_). Yes, yes, I'll do all I can.

GAYNOR (_turns to the door and shakes_ Nicholls' _hand
sympathetically_). And don't take it to heart too much yourself.
There's every hope, remember that. In six months she'll come back to
you her old self again.

NICHOLLS (_nervously_). It's hard on a fellow--so suddenly--but I'll
remember--and---- (_Abruptly_). Good night, Doctor.

GAYNOR. Good night.

(_He goes out. The outer door is heard shutting behind him._
Nicholls _closes the door, rear, and comes back and sits in the
chair in front of table. He rests his chin on his hands and
stares before him, a look of desperate, frightened calculation
coming into his eyes._ Carmody _is heard clumping heavily down
the stairs. A moment later he enters. His expression is glum and
irritated._)

CARMODY (_coming forward to his chair by the stove_). Has he gone away?

NICHOLLS (_turning on him with a look of repulsion_). Yes. He told me
to tell you he'd be back to-morrow with definite information--about the
sanatorium business.

CARMODY (_darkly_). Oho, he did, did he? Maybe I'll surprise him. I'm
thinkin' it's lyin' he is about Eileen's sickness, and her lookin' as
fresh as a daisy with the high colour in her cheeks when I saw her now.

NICHOLLS