"This may not be at all serious. There is a good chance of Mr.
DeVere getting his voice back; but I confess I see little hope of it
at the present time. At any rate he must give himself absolute rest,
and not use his voice--even to talk to you girls," and he smiled at
them.
"I know that is going to be hard," the doctor went on; "but it must
be done sir, it must be done."
"Impossible!" murmured Mr. DeVere. "It cannot be!"
"It must be, my dear sir. Your vocal chords are in such shape that
the least additional strain may permanently injure them. As it is
now--you have a chance."
"Only a chance did you say?" asked the actor, eagerly.
"Yes, only a chance. It would be cruel to deceive you, and try to
tell you that this is only temporary, and will pass off. It may, but
it is sure to come back again, unless you give your throat an
absolute rest."
"For--for how long?"
"I can't say--six months--maybe a year--maybe----"
"A year! Why, Doctor, I never could do that."
"You may have to. You can speak now, but if you keep on you will get
to the point where you will be next to absolutely dumb!"
The girls caught their breaths in sharp gasps.
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