NCERT Book Class 11 English (Snapshots) Chapter 4 Birth

4
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.

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 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.”