Crouchingclose，andlayingmyearagainstthecanvas，I
listened。
Thenursewasspeakinginagentlypersuasivetone。Iimaginedherkneelingbytheheadofthepatientandbreathingwordsintohisear。ThesewerewhatIheard：
\"Youlovediamonds。Ihaveoftennoticedthat；youlooksolongattheringonyourhand。ThatiswhyIhaveletitstaythere，thoughattimesIhavefeareditwoulddropoffandrollawayovertheadobedownthemountain-side。WasIright？\"
\"Yes，yes。\"Thewordscamewithdifficulty，buttheywereclearenough。\"It’sofsmallvalue。Ilikeitbecause——\"