| I do not care for myself, but for him!' So I am... 830 |
[Jan. 26th, 2010|11:51 am] |
I do not care for myself, but for him!' So I am quite free
"I could easily see that she was somewhat bloodless, but I could not see the usual anemic signs, and by the chance, I was able to test the actual quality of her blood, for in opening a window which was stiff a cord gave way, and she cut her hand slightly with broken glassIt was a slight matter in itself, but it gave me an evident chance, and I secured a few drops of the blood and have analysed them
"The qualitative analysis give a quite normal condition, and shows, I should infer, in itself a vigorous state of healthIn other physical matters I was quite satisfied that there is no need for anxiety, but as there must be a cause somewhere, I have come to the conclusion that it must be something mental
"She complains of difficulty breathing satisfactorily at times, and of heavy, lethargic sleep, with dreams that frighten her, but regarding which she can remember nothingShe says that as a child, she used to walk in her sleep, and that when in Whitby the habit came back, and that once she walked out in the night and went to East Cliff, where Miss Murray found herBut she assures me that of late the habit has not returned
"I am in doubt, and so have done the best thing I know ofI have written to my old friend and master, Professor Van Helsing, of Amsterdam, who knows as much about obscure diseases as any one in the worldI have asked him to come over, and as you told me that all things were to be at your charge, I have mentioned to him who you are and your relations to Miss WestenraThis, my dear fellow, is in obedience to your wishes, for I am only too proud and happy to do anything I can for her
"Van Helsing would, I know, do anything for me for a personal reason, so no matter on what ground he comes, we must accept his wishesHe is a seemingly arbitrary man, this is because he knows what he is talking about better than any one elseHe is a philosopher and a metaphysician, and one of the most advanced scientists of his day, and he has, I believe, an absolutely open mindThis, with an iron nerve, a temper of the ice-brook, and indomitable resolution, self-command, and toleration exalted from virtues to blessings, and the kindliest and truest heart that beats, these form his equipment for the noble work that he is doing for mankind, work both in theory and practice, for his views are as wide as his all-embracing sympathyI tell you these facts that you may know why I have such confidence in himI have asked him to come at onceI shall see Miss Westenra tomorrow againShe is to meet me at the Stores, so that I may not alarm her mother by too early a repetition of my call
John Seward
LETTER, ABRAHAM VAN HELSING, MD, DPh, DSEWARD
2 September
"My good Friend,
"When I received your letter I am already coming to youBy good fortune I can leave just at once, without wrong to any of those who have trusted meWere fortune other, then it were bad for those who have trusted, for I come to my friend when he call me to aid those he holds dearTell your friend that when that time you suck from my wound so swiftly the poison of the gangrene from that knife that our other friend, too nervous, let slip, you did more for him when he wants my aids and you call for them than all his great fortune could doBut it is pleasure added to do for him, your friend, it is to you that I comeHave near at hand, and please it so arrange that we may see the young lady not too late on tomorrow, for it is likely that I may have to return here that nightBut if need be I shall come again in three days, and stay longer if it mustTill then goodbye, my friend John
LETTER, DRARTHUR HOLMWOOD
3 September
"My dear Art,
"Van Helsing has come and goneHe came on with me to Hillingham, and found that, by Lucy's discretion, her mother was lunching out, so that we were alone with her
"Van Helsing made a very careful examination of the patientHe is to report to me, and I shall advise you, for of course I was not present all the timeHe is, I fear, much concerned, but says he must thinkWhen I told him of our friendship and how you trust to me in the matter, he said, 'You must tell him all you thinkTell him what I think, if you can guess it, if you willNay, I am not jestingThis is no jest, but life and death, perhaps |
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