'I am going to apply what is called the catoptric test. You
have probably heard of it?'
'My ignorance of scientific matters is fathomless.'
The other smiled, and at once offered a simple explanation of the
term. By the appearance of the candle as it reflected itself in
the patient's eye it was possible, he said, to decide whether
cataract had taken hold upon the organ.
For a minute or two he conducted his experiment carefully, and
Yule was at no loss to read the result upon his face.
'How long have you suspected that something was wrong?' the
surgeon asked, as he put down the candle.
'For several months.'
'You haven't consulted anyone?'
'No one. I have kept putting it off. Just tell me what you have
discovered.'
'The back of the right lens is affected beyond a doubt.'
'That means, I take it, that before very long I shall be
practically blind?'
'I don't like to speak with an air of authority. After all, I am
only a surgeon who has bungled himself into pauperdom. You must
see a competent man; that much I can tell you in all earnestness.
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