The doctor was visibly perturbed by my request, but his youth and limited experience (and perhaps my authoritative tone) prevented him from refusing to perform duties more commonly assigned to a nurse or an orderly. He coaxed Herr Morgenstern from the chair and took him into the bath chamber. Once I heard water running in the bathtub, I rewarded myself with the ultimate few drops of the wine. I also made a note to dispose of my loofa and bar of lavender-scented soap in the immediate future. I could trust the hotel staff to replace the towels and washcloths.

When Herr Morgenstern emerged from the bath chamber, dressed in the long white robe, he looked more civilized. He was still in need of the services of a barber and a manicurist, but his general appearance was no longer repugnant. The doctor steered him to a chair and forced him to sit.

“How is his physical health?” I inquired.

“His body is covered with scratches, scabs, and insect bites. The cut on his hand does not appear to be infected. I did not see any symptoms to suggest that he is suffering from an illness like dysentery or malaria.” He removed a stethoscope from his bag, and after a nod from me, continued his examination. “His heart and lungs are sound, and there has been no serious injury, external, nor as nearly as I can tell, internal. I would say he is suffering from neglect—inadequate food, water, personal hygiene. Before any more drastic measures are taken, I would recommend a long rest, with constant nursing care to make sure he takes food and water at regular intervals.”

“And mentally?”

“He was unable to answer my questions coherently, which is undoubtedly due to his weakened condition. If he is taken care of for the next several days, he should regain his mental faculties. Now I must take my leave, Mrs. Emerson. Another guest at the hotel is suffering from a migraine headache and has requested my attention. I wish you the best of luck with this gentleman.”

The doctor fled with undue haste, leaving me to consider my guest, who was now my patient as well. I could not arrange another room for him because he might depart at any hour of the night in order to resume his ineffectual search for his painted queen. The hotel staff were trained not to interfere with a guest’s wishes. Even if I could order the night suffragi to stand guard outside the door, I was not confident that he would prevent Herr Morgenstern from leaving. The very idea that I might sit in the hallway all night was preposterous. This left only one option, somewhat less preposterous but nevertheless annoying.

“Let me help you to your feet,” I said in a voice noticeably devoid of camaraderie. “You will be sleeping in the bedroom for the night, while I remain here. Other arrangements will be made for you in the morning.”