Чума
Part I
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.
