NCERT Book Class 11 English (Snapshots) Chapter 5 Birth

5
Birth

A.J. Cronin

In this excerpt from The Citadel, Andrew Manson, newly out of medical
school, has just begun his medical practice as an assistant to Dr Edward
Page in the small Welsh mining town of Blaenelly. As he is returning from
a disappointing evening with Christine, the girl he loves, he is met by Joe
Morgan. Joe and his wife, who have been married nearly twenty years, are
expecting their first child.

T H O U G H 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 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,
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.”