“Don’t get up,” said Thanakar.

“I would prefer to stand, sir.”

Thanakar shrugged. “I’m worried about your health,” he said again.

“You’re too good, sir.”

Thanakar examined his voice for traces of irony. He found irony mixed with unhappiness in equal parts, but even so it would have been enough to make him give up, angry, if he had not already rehearsed what he was going to say: “I want you to stop this. This employment. If you continue, you’ll die. You’ll be dead in a thousand days.”

The man sighed. “What must I do, sir?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t think you’d be sorry to give it up.”

“It’s my work, sir.”

“Yes, I know,” said Thanakar, irritated. “What I mean is, I could help you to find something better.”

“You are too good.”

“Damn it!” cried the doctor. “Why do you insist on turning me away? I want to help you. Do you think I come here for myself?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Yes. Yes, of course. If we can’t be polite, at least let us be sensible. You’re right, of course. But we both have something to offer. Haven’t I given you enough money to give this up, to start something new?”

“What, sir?”

“Well, what is your name?”

“Pentecost, sir.”

“Not that name. Your working name.”

“Wood.”

“Were you a lumberman?”

“Carpenter, sir.”

“Skilled?”

“Yes, sir.”

“So why can’t you set yourself up somewhere? I’ll give you the money. Who’s the chaplain of the guild here? I’ll talk to him.”

“I have no papers, sir. Surely you must realize that. I ran away from . . . home, when Jenny was born.

They were going to put her in prison.”

“I see.”

“I don’t think you do, sir. Otherwise you wouldn’t leave your car down in the square and walk here in broad daylight. Do you think a man like you isn’t noticed? As for my health, I’m grateful for your concern, but I don’t have a single client now. God, I wish I’d had the strength to turn you out after the first night, but my wife was begging me, and how was I to know you’d be so . . . careless? I wish I’d had the strength to run away. Now it’s too late.”

“Is that what you want?” asked Thanakar, after a pause.

“Don’t you understand? My daughter is the only thing I have. Up until now, there was never a way for me to hope even the smallest hope for her. But you’ll be able to do something for her, won’t you, sir?

You’re a powerful man. You’ll find some way to protect her. That night you came, she was so sick. And now she’s well. Don’t you think I’m grateful for that? Sincerely?” He looked sincere, his hands clasped in front of him, his dark eyes.

“You make me feel ashamed,” said Thanakar.

“Oh no, sir. We’re nothing without you. You’ve been so kind. She’s happy when she’s with you. Don’t think I can’t see that.”