As far as they are concerned , there is absolutely no reason why she should not speak . '' `` Then why ca n't she speak ? Do you think -- do you think -- '' `` I think that I can not express my conclusion in any better words than Janet Gordon used when she said that Kilmeny can not speak because her mother would n't . That is all there is to it . The trouble is psychological , not physical . Medical skill is helpless before it . There are greater men than I in my profession ; but it is my honest belief , Eric , that if you were to consult them they would tell you just what I have told you , neither more nor less . '' `` Then there is no hope , '' said Eric in a tone of despair . `` You can do nothing for her ? '' David took from the back of his chair a crochet antimacassar with a lion rampant in the center and spread it over his knee . `` I can do nothing for her , '' he said , scowling at that work of art . `` I do not believe any living man can do anything for her . But I do not say -- exactly -- that there is no hope . '' `` Come , David , I am in no mood for guessing riddles . Speak plainly , man , and do n't torment me . '' David frowned dubiously and poked his finger through the hole which represented the eye of the king of beasts . `` I do n't know that I can make it plain to you . It is n't very plain to myself . And it is only a vague theory of mine , of course . I can not substantiate it by any facts .
In short , XXXXX , I think it is possible that Kilmeny may speak sometime -- if she ever wants it badly enough . ''
David Eric Gordon Kilmeny antimacassar facts finger hope lion profession