Чума
Part I
"Heknockedonmydooryesterday,"Grandsaid,"toaskmeformatches.Igavehimmybox.Heapologized,sayingthataswewereneighbours…Thenhepromisedtogivetheboxback.Itoldhimtokeepit."
ThecommissioneraskedthecivilservantifCottardhadnotseemedodd.
"Whatseemedoddtomewasthatheappearedtowanttostartaconversation.ButIwasworking."
GrandturnedtowardsRieuxandaddedself-consciously:
"Personalwork."
Meanwhile,thecommissionerwantedtoseethepatient.ButRieuxthoughtthatitwouldbebesttoprepareCottardforthevisit.Whenhewentintotheroom,themanwassittingupinbed,wearingonlyagreyishvest.Heturnedtowardsthedoorwithananxiouslookonhisface.
"It’sthepolice,isn’tit?"
"Yes,"Rieuxsaid."Butdon’tgetupset.Justtwoorthreequestionsasaformalityandthey’llleaveyouinpeace."
ButCottardansweredthattherewasnopointtoitandthathedidnotlikethepolice.Rieuxgaveasignofimpatience.
"I’mnotkeenonthemmyself.Allyouhavetodoistoanswertheirquestionsbrieflyandpolitely,andgetitoverwith."
Cottardsaidnothingandthedoctorturnedbacktothedoor.Butthelittlemanwasalreadycallingforhimandtookhishandsasheapproachedthebed.
