Voices

Doctor MacBlunt had never taken his eyes off her. He saw a great deal. He saw behind the patient’s guarded manner an anxiety that she could not dispel. It was evident that this woman, who had self-assurance and poise, at this moment was struggling to control her inner tension. “Notwithstanding your recent sleeping disorders, are you happy in your marriage?” asked the doctor. Amy hesitated, which to the trained eyes of the doctor spoke volumes. “Yes, of course, I’m happy,” she replied. Doctor MacBlunt’s eyes had not left his patient’s face, and he saw that she lied. He had his pen in his hand, but he didn’t write anything down. It often took a long time to get people to tell the truth, but most of them knew that unless they told it, he could do nothing for them. He picked up a piece of paper and drew some lines on it. He wanted the silence of the room and his calm demeanor to have its effect on her sensibilities. But she remained silent.