Doddleson there is actually no
disease--nothing but this extreme prostration--this gradual vanishing of
vital power. And now I come to another point upon which I want your
advice. It has been suggested that this constitutional weakness may be
inherited; and here I think you can help me."
"How so?"
"You attended the lady's father."
"Indeed!" cried Mr. Burkham, delighted. "This is really interesting. In
what year did I attend this gentleman? If you will allow me, I will refer
to some of my old case-books."
He drew out a clumsy drawer in the clumsy table, in order to hunt for old
memoranda.
"I am not quite certain as to the year," answered Valentine; "but it was
more than ten years ago. The gentleman died close by here, in Fitzgeorge
Street. His name was Halliday."
Mr. Burkham had drawn out the drawer to its farthest extent. As Valentine
pronounced this name, he let it drop to the ground with a crash, and sat,
statue-like, staring at the speaker. All other names given to mortal man
he might forget; but this one never. Valentine saw the sudden horror in
his face, before he could recompose his features into something of their
conventional aspect.
"Yes," he said, looking down at the fallen drawer with its scattered
papers and case-books, "yes, I have some recollection of the name of
Halliday."
"Some very strange and agitating recollection it would seem by your
manner, Mr.
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