For the next few hours, Doctor Watson did all he could for Holmes: changed his bandages, cleaned the wound, and tried everything in his power to bring down his fever. Unforunately, it seemed that Holmes was getting worse and that all of Doctor Watson's efforts were meaningless. Naturally, this only added to the guilt that he was feeling for leaving Holmes during the night.
At six in the evening, Mary sat at the empty dining table. She had sent Marie, a French maid in the household, to fetch Doctor Watson for supper. When Marie returned alone, it was obvious that she had failed to take Doctor Watson away from Holmes.
"I've tried everything, Madame. I even offered to care for Monsieur Holmes until he was able to return to him; he simply won't leave his side, not even for supper." said Marie.
"Well, then I want you to deliver a tray of food to the master. He at least needs to eat, if he inists on caring for Mr. Holmes into the evening." said Mary.
"Of course, Madame."
Marie left the dining room, and Mary began to eat her supper without the usual company of her husband.
In the guest room, Doctor Watson had just placed another cold cloth on Holmes' forehead, in an attempt to bring down his fever; it didn't take long for Holmes to begin shivering.
"Watson, I'm cold." said Holmes.
"I know you are, Holmes, but this is the only way to help you." said Doctor Watson.
Doctor Watson pulled a large blanket over Holmes, when he suddenly heard a knock on the door. He reluctantly left Holmes' side and went to answer the door; Marie was standing at the doorway, carrying a silver tray.
"The mistress wanted me to bring you your supper." said Marie.
"Thank you, Marie." said Doctor Watson, taking the tray from Marie.
"How is he today?" asked Marie.
"Weak. Even the slightest movement requires a fair amount of strength." said Doctor Watson.
"The mistress may not be able to see why you're doing this, Médecin, but I do. Monsieur Holmes can only rely on you at this moment, he needs your hope to get him through."
Doctor Watson smiled as Marie curtseyed and left him alone with Holmes again. As he set the tray down, he heard the most violent cough come from Holmes.
"Easy, ol' boy."
Doctor Watson approached Holmes and sat him up, so he could clear his lungs. After awhile, the coughing stopped and Holmes sank back against the pillows.
"T-The fever, I assume?" asked Holmes, his voice sounding slightly weary from the coughing.
"I'm afraid so. We shouldn't let this take our hopes, however. In time, you'll regain your strength, and be taking on a new case before the month is out." said Doctor Watson.
"Is that a promise?"
Doctor Watson smiled and took Holmes' hand and gave it a quick squeeze.
"Of course it is." said Doctor Watson.
During the night, Holmes was sound asleep, but Doctor Watson was still awake and working to bring down the fever. He was slightly startled when Mary entered the room, and folded her arms. He could tell that she was angry about something.
"What's wrong?" asked Doctor Watson.
"May I speak to you in the hall?" asked Mary.
Doctor Watson, though extremely reluctant to leave Holmes alone, stepped into the hallway with Mary.
"John, I think it would be best if Mr. Holmes was taken to a hospital. You are a marvleous doctor, but you cannot care for him alone. You're tired, you're not even eating meals anymore. "
"I'm all right, darling. Really, I am. Besides, Holmes is far too sick to be taken to a hospital."
"John, please-"
"Watson! Watson, help me!"
Upon hearing Holmes crying for help, Doctor Watson stepped back into the room and closed the door. Holmes was slumped over the bed, and was coughing up blood & vomit; Doctor Watson acted quickly and cleaned up Holmes and the vomit.
"I'm sorry. I just felt dizzy, and..."
"No need for an apology, ol' boy. It's nothing that I can't handle."
As Doctor Watson placed a cold cloth on Holmes' forehead, he saw that his eyes were becoming rather glassy.
"What is it?" asked Holmes.
"Nothing. I just thought that I saw something." said Doctor Watson.
Doctor Watson had lied to his friend. He knew that since Holmes' eyes were glassy, that the infection had probably begun to take its toll on his opthalmological nerves, and that was a good chance that, by the next morning, he would be completely blind.