Чума

           Hefoundhisfirstpatientinbedinaroomoverlookingthestreetwhichservedbothasbedroomanddining-room.ThemanwasanoldSpaniardwithatough,heavilylinedface.Infrontofhimontheblankethehadtwosaucepansfullofchick-peas.Whenthedoctorcamein,thesickman,half-seatedinthebed,leantbackinanattempttogethisbreath,gaspingwiththeshinglyraspingofanoldasthmatic.Hiswifebroughtabasin.

           "Well,doctor,"hesaid,whileRieuxwasinjectinghim."They’recomingout:haveyouseen?"

           "Yes,"saidthewife."Ourneighbourpickedupthreeofthem."

           Theoldmanrubbedhishands.

           "They’recomingout.Youcanseetheminallthedustbins.It’sthehunger."

           Rieuxwassoontofindthatthewholedistrictwastalkingabouttherats.Whenhehadfinishedhisvisitshewenthome.

           "There’satelegramforyouupstairs,"saidM.Michel.

           Thedoctoraskedifhehadseenanymorerats.

           "Ohno,"theconciergeanswered."Yousee,I’mkeepingalookout.Thepigsdon’tdare."

           ThetelegramwastotellRieuxthathismotherwasarrivingthenextday.Shewouldbelookingafterherson’shousewhilehissickwifewasaway.Whenthedoctorcameinthenursewasstillthereandhefoundhiswifeoutofbed,wearingasuitandwithmakeupdisguisingherpallor.Hesmiled:

           "Good,"hesaid."Verygood.