- 34 -
BERNH:
(zuickly) It is quite possible that it
might hasten the end, perhaps only by minutes, but
still —...
PRIEST:
Again: Can the patient still be saved? Does my
appearance constitute a danger in this sense? If so,
I should, of course, be prepared to withdraw at once.
(ADLER nods hie approval)
BERNH:
She is beyond all earthly hope. There can be no question
about that.
PRIEST:
Then, Professor, I can see no reason....
BERNH:
Excuse me, your Revenue, so far I am still acting
in my capacity of physical. And one of my duties,
when nothing else remains to me, is to ensure, as far
as possible, a happy death for my patient.
(CYPRIAN shews impatience and irritation)
PRIEST:
A happy death -
It is extremely likely, Professor,
that this conveys different meanings to our minds. And
from what your Sister has told me, it appears that this
patient is in greater need of Absolution than many
another.
BERNH:
(with an ieronic smile) Are we not all sinners, your
Reverence?