"
"It would have made no difference. Her world was centered in him. You
know, of course, Doctor, that I wouldn't have spoken of this to anyone
else--"
"My dear fellow, I am father confessor to half of my patients." The
Doctor's eyes were kind. "My lips will be sealed. But if you want my
advice I should throw the old man overboard. Let him sink or swim.
Your life is your own."
"It has never been my own." He went to a desk and took out an
envelope. "It's a rather sacred letter, but I want you to read it--I
read it for the first time last night."
When at last the Doctor laid the letter down, Derry said very low, "Do
you blame me?"
"My dear fellow; she had no right to ask it."
"But having asked--?"
"It is a moving letter, and you loved her--but I still contend she had
no right to ask."
"I gave my sacred word."
"I question whether any promise should stand between a man and his
country's need of him."
They faced each other. "I wonder--" Derry said, "I--I must think it
over, Doctor."
"Give yourself a chance if you do. We can go too far in our sacrifice
for others--." He resumed his brisk professional manner.
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