Von Blon appeared surprised.
"Why, a sort of paraplegia dolorosa—that is, a paralysis of the legs and lower part of the body, accompanied by severe pains due to pressure of the indurations on the spinal cord and nerves. No spasticity of the limbs has supervened, however. Came on very suddenly without any premonitory symptoms about ten years ago—probably the result of transverse myelitis. There's nothing really to be done but to keep her as comfortable as possible with symptomatic treatment, and to tone up the heart action. A sixtieth of strychnine three times a day takes care of the circulation."
"Couldn't by any chance be a hysterical akinesia?"
"Good Lord, no! There's no hysteria." Then his eyes widened in amazement. "Oh, I see! No; there's no possibility of recovery, even partial. It's organic paralysis."
"And atrophy?"
"Oh, yes. Muscular atrophy is now pronounced."
"Thank you very much." Vance lay back with half-closed eyes.
"Oh, not at all.—And remember, Mr. Markham, that I always stand ready to help in any way I can. Please don't hesitate to call on me." He bowed again, and went out.
Markham got up and stretched his legs.
"Come; we've been summoned to appear." His facetiousness was a patent effort to shake off the depressing gloom of the case.
Mrs. Greene received us with almost unctuous cordiality.
"I knew you'd grant the request of a poor old
