Читать книгу The Dark River онлайн

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"General Hardie's told me the same thing, sir."

"No doubt. Now then, before Alan comes in: he went to see Dr. Brocard?"

"Yesterday afternoon. I went along to make sure he did it."

"Good. Brocard's an excellent man. He was one of the best oculists in Paris. He came here to retire and enjoy life, not to practise, but I knew he'd be willing to see Alan for my sake. What did he say?"

"When he'd finished the examination I understood that there was something he didn't want to tell Alan, so I went back alone, later. He'll be seeing you too, of course. He says that, unless Alan is extremely careful, there's about an even chance of his going blind."

"Good God! I'd no idea it was as serious as that."

"It bears out what the London oculists said. Alan doesn't know it, but his father does."

"What did Brocard say about treatment?"

"There is nothing much Alan can do beside giving his eyes a rest from all strain. He advised him to spend an hour or two every day in a darkened room, but he'll never do that. And he's to wear dark glasses from dawn till sunset. I'm afraid he'll not do that, either."