To illustrate his care he pointed out to us a cabinet directly
back of the operating-table, lined with thick sheets of lead.
From this cabinet he conducted most of his treatments as far as
possible. A little peep-hole enabled him to see the patient and
the X-ray apparatus, while an arrangement of mirrors and a
fluorescent screen enabled him to see exactly what the X-rays
were disclosing, without his leaving the lead-lined cabinet.

"I can think of no more perfect protection for either patient or
operator," said Kennedy admiringly. "By the way, did Mrs. Close
come alone?"

"No, the first time Mr. Close came with her. After that, she came
with her French maid."

The next day we paid a visit to Mrs. Close herself at the private
hospital. Kennedy had been casting about in his mind for an
excuse to see her, and I had suggested that we go as reporters
from the Star. Fortunately after sending up my card on which I
had written Craig's name we were at length allowed to go up to
her room.

We found the patient reclining in an easy chair, swathed in
bandages, a wreck of her former self. I felt the tragedy keenly.
All that social position and beauty had meant to her had been
suddenly blasted.

"You will pardon my presumption," began Craig, "but, Mrs. Close,
I assure you that I am actuated by the best of motives. We
represent the New York Star--"