A Question of Health (Reading comprehension. Language focus)

READING COMPREHENSION

2. a) You are going to read an extract from “Citadel” by A.J. Cronin. Before you start reading, make sure you can read and understand the following:

*asphyxia pallida (med.) - suffocation caused by shortage of oxygen in the system

*bach - abbr. from bachelor

*exertion - effort, strain

*hypodermic syringe - an instrument with a very thin hollow needle used for putting drugs directly into the body through the skin

*mucus - a thick liquid produced in parts of your body such as your nose

*pituitrin - an extraction from the pituitary gland (a small gland at the base of the brain which controls all the other glands of the body)

*to resuscitate - to make someone breathe again or become conscious after they have almost died

b) Start reading the extract and pay special attention to Andrew Manson’s desperate attempts to resuscitate the child.                                                               

CITADEL

Though it was nearly midnight when Andrew reached Bryngower, he found Joe Morgan waiting for him, walking up and down with short steps between the closed surgery and the entrance to the house. At the sight of him the burly driller's face expressed relief.

"Eh, Doctor, I'm glad to see you. I’ve been back and forward here this last hour. The missus wants ye - before time, too."

Andrew, abruptly recalled from the contemplation of his own affairs, told Morgan to wait. He went into the house for his bag, and then together they set out for Number 12 Blaina Terrace. The night air was cool and deep with quiet mystery. Usually so perceptive, Andrew now felt dull and listless. He had no premonition that this night call would prove unusual, still less that it would influence his whole future in Blaenelly.

The two men walked in silence until they reached the door of Number 12, then Joe drew up short. ''I'll not come in," he said, and his voice showed signs of strain. "But, man, I know ye'll do well for us."

Inside, a narrow stair led up to a small bedroom, clean but poorly furnished, and lit only by an oil lamp. Here Mrs. Morgan's mother, a tall grey-haired woman of nearly seventy, and the stout elderly midwife waited beside the patient, watching Andrew's expression as he moved about the room.

"Let me make you a cup of tea, Doctor, bach," said the former quickly, after a few moments.

Andrew smiled faintly. He saw that the old woman, wise in experience, realized there must be a period of waiting, that she was afraid: he would leave the case, saying he would return later.

"Don't fret, Mother. I'll not run away."

Down in the kitchen he drank the tea which she gave him. Overwrought as he was, he knew he could not snatch even an hour's sleep if he went home. He knew, too, that the case here would demand all his attention. A queer lethargy of spirit came upon him. He decided to remain until everything was over.

An hour later he went upstairs again, noted the progress made, came down once more, and sat by the kitchen fire. It was still, except for the rustle of a cinder in the grate and the slow tick-tock of the wall clock. No, there was another sound - the beat of Morgan's footsteps as he paced in the street outside. The old woman opposite him sat in her black dress, quite motionless, her eyes strangely alive and wise, probing, never leaving his face.

His thoughts were heavy, muddled...

He remained like this so long, that he started when the old woman opposite suddenly addressed him. ‘Susan said not to give her the chloroform if it would harm the baby. She’s awful set upon this child, Doctor, bach." Her old eyes warmed at a sudden thought. She added in a low tone: "Ay, we all are, I fancy."

He collected himself with an effort. "It won’t do any harm, the anesthetic," he said kindly. They'll be all right."

Here the nurse voice was heard calling from the top landing