The Newcomer

by Hilda Pressley

  It was exactly three o'clock in the morning. Sara slipped on some clothes, checked the contents of her bag and hurried out. The weather had deteriorated since midnight, and the rain lashed against the windscreen with all the fury of an Atlantic gale. The way to the house led along about a mile of what was no more than a cart track. Was it meanness or poverty ? she wondered fleetingly.

  But there was no evidence of poverty in the house. Thick carpets and good furniture, central heating—. evidences of prosperity everywhere. Sara could not help Contrasting it all with the Scotts' .cottage. Mr Williams showed her upstairs. It was a large bedroom, a white carpet on the floor, modern furniture and a double bed.

  Mrs Williams, obviously distraught, lay across the bed as if, indeed, she had been in agony, and still was in pain.

  ' It's—subsided a little now, Doctor, thank goodness,' she gasped as Sara approached the bed. But it's still pretty bad and I daren't move my head from the pillow.'

  How did it start ? ' Sara asked her gently. And when ? '

  Well, I—I've had pains in my legs and back far two or three days now. A sort of dull, burning pain? Any weakness in the legs ? '

  No, I wouldn't say so.'

  And what about the pain in. your back ? Did it come on suddenly ? '

  It appeared she had had several sharp attacks at intervals, then had come these steady, burning pains in her legs, terminating at her knees.

  Nothing I take seems to make any difference now. I woke up about ten minutes ago and asked my husband to get me some tablets. As soon as I lifted my head, it was terrible, but I got the tablets down, then— then when he got back into bed it was even worse. I '

  `And now it's subsided again a little ? '

  Sara was pretty sure it was an acute attack of sciatica, possibly the result of a protruding intervertebral disc pressing on the sciatic nerve—what is commonly known as a 'slipped disc'. But she did tests to make sure of the diagnosis, and examined her patient as far as she could without causing more pain. Then she gave her Physeptone and an injection to relax her muscles.

  As soon as it has eased, Mrs Williams, you must get your husband to put some boards under your mattress. It's essential to have a firm base. And if there's another bed where your husband can finish his sleep, it would be better. Obviously, his movement in the bed, his weight, caused the mattress and your spine to sag and aggravated the condition.'

  Mrs Williams nodded. Yes, Doctor.'

  Sara straightened the bedclothes and smiled down at her. ' I hope you soon get some more sleep. I'll come and see you again during the day.'

  Mrs Williams looked up at her. Gone, now, was the

  look of hostility to which she had treated Sara ever since that day they had met in the Scotts' cottage.

  ' Thank you, Doctor. I'm—sorry to have got you up at this hour.'

  Sara assured her that it was quite all right. I'm

  glad to have been of help.'

  Downstairs, Mr Williams had made a pot of tea, and Sara accepted a cup gladly. While she was drinking it, she explained to him what the trouble was and repeated her advice about the mattress, also about his finishing his night's sleep in another bed. The change in the attitude of both the farmer and his wife was very marked. Obviously, they had had a scare with this pain of Mrs William's, and were grateful to her as well as giving her respect as a physician. But Sara felt she would have preferred a change of heart in a broader, truer sense, and would have gladly done without their personal gratitude if, in its place, she could have had an assurance that they would do something about improving their cottages for their farm workers.

  After catching a little more sleep, Sara was up again, but before she started morning surgery', she rang the district nurse and asked her to call at the farm and see if there was anything she could do for Mrs Williams. Then, in the afternoon, she called to see her again.

  ' How are you now ? ' she asked.

  ' Much better, Doctor. But I still daren't move. Thank you for sending the nurse. I don't know how to thank you.'

  Sara smiled. To see you on your feet again will be all the thanks I shall need. Have you got those boards under the mattress yet ? You may not be able to sit up, but I think you'll find you can roll gently.'

  But Mr Williams, it seemed, had plans for moving twin beds from the guest-room and taking the double bed out, fixing boards under one of them for his wife.

  He's going to do it when he comes in tonight.'

  'Good.'

  When she left the farm Sara went into Ketford to see Uncle John, and to her surprise she found Jim there, too. Her heart gave a painful leap as she saw him sitting by the bed.

  ' Well, well, fancy meeting you here,' was his opening gambit.

  Yes—fancy,' she retorted, for Uncle John's benefit, and saw his eyes light up in amusement. How are you, Uncle John ? ' she asked the doctor. Not getting too fed up yet ? '

  We—ell, I'm beginning to think I'd be just as well at home in my own bed. That is, if Jessie could cope with trays.'

  It wouldn't be a question of coping. We could look after you between us.' She was going to add that he would be tempted to get up too soon, but before she could do so, Jim chipped in.

  It's a ridiculous suggestion. Before you knew where you were, he'd be out of bed, into the consulting-room and dashing out on calls, even, before you could say " Jack Robinson ".'

  That's what I was going to say—or something like it, if you hadn't butted in,' she told him.

  Uncle John. laughed. ' Now, now, you two, at it again ! Jim, if it would make you any happier, I'd put myself under your care, medically, and not move unless you said so.'

  ' You're much better where you are,' Jim insisted, and Sara had to agree with him.

  Try to be patient, Uncle John. We want you back in harness, and I'm sure you want to be back, too. But it will be quicker in the long run if you stay where you are.'

  All right, the pair of you,' he said, looking from one to the other, as if they were his children. But I'm coming home for Christmas, and nobody's going to stop me.'

  Christmas was about four weeks away. He should

  be out of danger by then. Sara was not at all happy about leaving him to practise somewhere else, even with another assistant. She was as fond of him as if he were her own father. But was she really going to be able to stand these encounters with Jim ? How long did it take to fall out of love again ? Did one—ever ? She loved him so much.

  The consultant surgeon entered the ward with his house physician and the ward Sister, and so after a _ brief word with them, Sara left at the same time as Jim. They walked to the car park in silence. When they were alone, they had not even the banter of friendship. Then, as if to make polite conversation, he said:

  I hear you were out during the night to Mrs Williams.'

  News travels fast in the country.'

  ' I saw Mr Williams in the post office this morning. If it's of any interest to you, your stocks has gone up there considerably. Er—with the Williamses, I mean, not at the post office,' he amended with some attempt at a joke.

  But Sara was too strung up emotionally in his presence to appreciate it.

  Well, I'm certainly glad my stock has gone up somewhere,' she retorted.

  His jaw became set. What exactly do you mean ? '

  But she was in no state to talk rationally, especially on so personal a matter. She said the first thing that came into her head.

  I probably shan't be here much longer, anyway. Just as soon as Uncle John is on his feet again, I shall ask him to find another assistant.'

  And without waiting to see what he said to that, she left him, her heart beating furiously., All the way home she fumed against herself for saying such a ridiculous thing. That was what she certainly would like to do, in one sense—get right away. But the last thing she wanted to do was let down Uncle John.

  Oliver called that evening and said he had arranged to take her to dinner and dancing at the country club to which he belonged.
But he had no sooner told her than the telephone rang and she was called out to a man whose wife said she thought he had had a stroke.

  Sorry, Oliver. I'll see you tomorrow, then—after evening surgery.'

  As it happened, the patient had not got a cerebral haemorrhage, after all. He had Bell's palsy, paralysis of the facial nerve. But Sara had to examine him very thoroughly to make sure that it really wasn't a stroke. She had him follow her finger with his eyes, which he did quite well. He could put out his tongue straight, feel a prick on both cheeks, and his limbs were not affected at all. The facial nerve was the only one affected.

  There was very little that could be done about it, except to reassure both the patient and his wife that it was not a serious condition and that it would clear up in a few weeks.

  Warmth might help, and you should wear a shade over the eye that won't close, in case you get something in it. If it doesn't start to improve in a couple of weeks, come and see me at the surgery and I'll arrange for some electrical treatment,' she told him.

  She decided to call in to see Alys on her way home. There was a car standing in the drive which she took to be Bob's. Alys opened the door to her and looked particularly pleased to see her.

  ' In there,' she said, giving her a gentle push towards the sitting-room door.

  Sara laughed. Do you mind if I ring Jessie first— just to let her know where I am ? '

  Yes, go ahead.' Alys went into the sitting-room, then when she heard Sara ring off, she came out again. ' Jim's here,' she said.

  Oh, no ! ' Sara turned to go away again.

  But Alys took her firmly by the hand. Now don't be

  silly. I've told him you're here. If you run away, he'll only wonder why. And by the way— ' But the ringing of the doorbell interrupted her. ' Oh, go on in. I'll tell you later,' she said.

  Reluctantly, Sara opened the sitting-room door. Jim was sitting comfortably in an armchair beside the fire smoking his pipe, but rose to his feet when Sara entered. She braced herself for his usual sarcastic greeting. But he said quietly :

  ' Hello, Sara. Come and sit down.'

  She looked at him, hardly able to believe he was serious, not knowing quite what to say, wishing she had not come. But she crossed the room and sat down in the chair opposite.

  ' I've just been to see a case of Bell's palsy,' she said, taking refuge in shop talk. ' His poor wife was worried stiff. She thought he'd had a stroke.'

  Hm. A funny thing. I suppose it can look like that to the layman. I remember once-- '

  But he broke off as Alys and Bob came in. Alys looked from one to the other and said brightly :

  Well, it's nice to see you two sitting there having a normal conversation. And let's hope neither of you will be called out again, because you're staying to supper, both of you. And I'm not taking any no's.'

  There was such a change in Jim's manner, Sara. wondered whether Alys had given her away. But she dismissed the thought as soon as it came into her mind. Alys wouldn't, of course. But there was no doubt about it, Alys was doing some matchmaking. Sara offered to help her with supper, but she refused emphatically, hauling Bob out and leaving Sara and Jim alone together again. Jim looked from the closed door across to Sara, as if waiting for her to comment or wondering what she was thinking. There was a heavy silence between them. Sara avoided looking at him. She sat gazing into the fire, trying to fight down a panic, wishing again that she had

  not come, wondering how much longer she was going to be able to stand this kind of thing.

  Presently, Jim said quietly : Sara, did you really mean what you said this morning about leaving when John is on his feet again ? '

  She took a deep breath. Yes. Yes, I did.'

  But why ? I thought you were settling down quite nicely. I mean '

  ' Oh, I'm getting to know people a little, and I like the place, but ' She broke off in confusion. This change

  in him was most off-putting. It seemed more natural when they were hitting out at each other. Besides, what could. she say to him ? I'm leaving because I love you, and it's hopeless because you dislike me ? He was eyeing her, obviously waiting for her to continue. She hesitated, then said desperately : There are still some people who seem determined to take everything I say the wrong way. One dare hardly open one's mouth '

  But, Sara, that can happen anywhere. If a newcomer at once begins to make suggestions—and it doesn't have to be in a country village. The same can apply in any society—then it does sound like criticism to those already in that society and fairly satisfied with it. It's bound to reflect on them personally.'

  She made no reply. What was the use ? He didn't understand—nor did she want him to.

  All the same, I shall go just as soon as possible,' she said doggedly.

  Alys came in to say that supper was ready, and that was the end of the conversation. Throughout the meal Alys kept up a flow of talk, aided by Bob, and eventually the two men were talking about one thing, Sara and Alys about something else. As soon as she could, Sara announced that she must say goodnight.

  What, so soon ? ' protested Alys.

  I'm sorry, Alys, but if you don't mind, I think I should have an early night. I was called up at three, and

  of course, I didn't get much sleep after I went back to bed. And who knows, I might get called up again tonight. It's like that sometimes.'

  Before she left, she asked Jim if he would stand in for her on the following night. She didn't want to have to ring him up.

  Yes, of course,' he said. Er—perhaps you'll do the same for me the following night.'

  Ah yes, Nina's birthday, isn't it ? ' Bob said tactlessly.

  Alys treated him to a dirty look, which fortunately was lost on Jim who was bending down at the fireplace knocking out his pipe.

  Sara went quickly, thankful to get away. She hadn't meant to decide so soon to leave Uncle John. But it would have to come to it sooner or later, she told herself. The next time she went to see him she would have to tell him, break it to him as gently as she could. If she explained to him, he would understand.

  Without very much heart, she put on a dinner dress the following evening after surgery and was ready when Oliver called for her bringing her some beautiful flowers and an orchid for her dress.

  ' Why, Oliver, how charming of you ! You are nice.' He smiled and put his arm about her shoulders. Good. Let's go, shall we ? '

  There was something different about him this evening, as if it were a special occasion. He was more charming and attentive even than usual. He suggested the most expensive items on the menu and even ordered champagne.

  What's this, Oliver, a celebration of some sort ? He smiled across the table at her gently. It could be. But let's dance, shall we ? '

  He held her closer than usual, and though Sara found her heart crying softly for Jim, she told herself that a man like Oliver could help her to forget.

  The dinner was good and the champagne made her a little lightheaded. Oliver was charming and handsome.

  ' Sara, my dear, I've got some news for you,' he said when they had reached the end of their meal

  Is it good ? '

  ' It could be. It depends on you.'

  ' On me ? '

  He nodded. ' I'm leaving. Going further south.' She stared at him. Oh, Oliver, no I But when ? ' In a fortnight's time.'

  So soon ! Oh, but this is terrible. I -

  He reached for her hand across the table. Sara, will you marry me ? There's a house there. You can set up a practice, if that's what you'd like to do. It's a lovely house, right on the edge of the forest. Come with me, Sara—won't you ? '

  CHAPTER IX

  There seemed only one answer. She wanted to laugh and to cry at the same time. He was hanging on her answer, eyeing her anxiously across the table.

  Oh, Oliver, I—I don't know what to say. You— make it sound so tempting, I

  She made herself stop. She had been going to say, I'd love to. But this was for life. He was asking her to marry him.r />
  Just say yes, darling. You won't regret it,' he said.

  She gave a little laugh and shook her head at him. Don't you want to know whether or not I—love you ? ' she asked.

  He eyed her gravely. I'm almost afraid to ask. I don't really think you do—not as I love you. But you do like me, don't you ? '

  ' Yes, Oliver, I do. I like you a very great deal. But that's not love, is it ? '

  No, but it can go a long way. I'm a very patient man. I think, in time, you'd come to love me.'

  She frowned. I thought you once said a person would be a fool to marry for any reason other than love ? You—realize I'm not really in love with you, yet you want me to marry you ? '

  ' Yes, I do. I had intended to.. ' he grinned,

  suddenly—' to work on you a little more, but—well, my being transferred has brought about a state of emergency, as it were. I have a feeling that, away from here and certain influences ' He broke off significantly. You

  see, I don't think that—out of sight of a love, it lasts. There isn't necessarily just one man for one woman. You can fall in love more than once in a lifetime. One of them might prove to be forever, of course. The one

  you ultimately marry. In fact, for some, love comes after marriage.'

  She knew what he was trying to say. He knew how she felt about Jim. He had guessed. And yet he wanted to marry her. There was a lot in what he said. It might take a long time for a love to fade, but fade it would, surely, given long enough, especially if replaced by another. But even as these thoughts entered her mind she felt her heart slowly breaking.

  What is heartbreak, Oliver ? Of what substance ? Is it, in fact, self-will ? Wanting something you know perfectly well is not yours ? '

  ' Perhaps. The longing for a great love is in all of us. But sometimes it's found in quite unexpected places. There used to be a song which said something like : Love is where you find it. I love you, Sara. I'm sure we '' could be happy together. If you don't feel you can say yes " tonight, don't say " no " either. Mull it over during the next few days and we'll talk about it again, eh ? '