Psychiatrists were not as common in England as they were in America, and it was with some difficulty that Thorn found one he felt he could trust. He was American, younger than Thorn would have preferred, but well recommended, with a broad range of experience. His name was Charles Greer. Schooled at Princeton, interned at Bellevue, he was of particular interest because he had lived for a time in Georgetown and had treated several senators' wives.

"The common problem among politicians' wives is alcoholism," said Greer as Thorn sat before him in the psychiatrist's office. "I think it's the feeling of isolation. The feeling of inadequacy. The fear that they have no identity of their own."

"You understand the need for confidence," said Thorn.

"That's all I have to sell," smiled the psychiatrist. "People confide in me, and frankly that's all I have to offer. They don't discuss their problems with other people precisely because they think their confidences will come back to haunt them. I'm safe. I can't promise much, but I can promise you that."

"Shall I have her call you?"

"Just give her my number. Don't have her call."

"It's not that she doesn't want to. She asked me ..."

"Good."

As Thorn rose uneasily, the young doctor smiled.

"Will you call me after you've seen her?" asked Thorn.

"I doubt it," Greer replied simply.

"I mean ... if you have something to say?"

"What I have to say I'll say to her"

"I mean, if you're worried about her . .."

"Is she suicidal?"

"... No."

'Then I won't be worried about her. I'm sure it's not as serious as you think."

Reassured, Thorn headed for the door.

"Mr. Thorn?"

"Yes?"

"Why did you come here today?"

"To see you."

"For what reason?"

Thorn shrugged. "See what you looked like, I guess."

"Was there something in particular you wanted to say?"

Thorn was uneasy. After pondering he shook his head.

"Are you suggesting that I might want to see a psychiatrist?"

"Do you?"

"Do I look like I need one?"

"Do I?" asked the psychiatrist.

"No."

'Well, I have one," smiled Greer. "In my line of work I'd be in trouble if I didn't."

The conversation was unsettling, and after Thorn returned to his office, he mused upon it all day. When with Greer, he had felt an urge to talk, to tell him things he had told no one before. But what good would it do? The deception was something he had to live with, a fact of life. And yet he longed for someone else to know.