He gave a little laugh, trying not to wince as it sent a shiver of pain through his body. "Yes . . . Nurse Rose . . ." he said obediently. "And . . . Doctor Aille . . ." he added, with a weak smile for his beloved wife.

With Aille's gentle touch on his forehead and the warm weight of Rose's hand in his palm, he closed his eyes . . . and was almost instantly asleep.