"Well, that's a chance I'll have to take," she said. "What do you mean?" I queried. "You'll likely have the flu by next week and you don't even know if you're pregnant yet. You couldn't possibly tell so soon." "I know that--and that's the reason I wanted to talk to you. "You and I have been letting things ride along for some time now. I've enjoyed it and I have no regrets. But it's time to stop; to make up our minds." She looked straight at me. "Do you love me enough to marry me?" I got up and went to her. I put my arms around her and this time my kiss was not quiet. "Silly question," I whispered against her cheek. "I was getting tired of being just the boy friend. We'll go and get the license right now. We can get married as soon as the three day waiting period is over." She looked up at me and said, "You wait here. I'll be ready in a minute." I sat down and lit another cigarette. Three puffs later I heard her speak behind me. "I'm ready, John." I looked around and came to my feet with a gasp. Then I took her into my arms. "Pat ... my Pat! God, but you're lovely!" I smoothed back her hair and tilted her face to see her. "Darling, why are you doing this?" "This is our wedding day, John. If we wait for a legal marriage it will be too late ... you'll probably have the flu. I slept with you on the boat because I wanted your child and I was afraid of the flu. Now I'm sure you'll get it. This is our last chance." She moved away from me and took my hand. Later, as we lay quietly together, I said teasingly, "What's it going to be? Boy or girl?" "I really don't care. I only hope he'll have a few playmates to keep him company. An only child in a family is bad enough. I don't want him to be lonely." I pulled her over to me and held her tightly. Her tears were warm against my neck. CHAPTER 7 Tired, rumpled, but elated, Dr. Hallam met us as we came out of the dressing rooms the next morning. "My theory was right. The bomb was full of virus," he said, his face lighting up happily for an instant. Then, as the thrill of discovery faded, grimness clouded his eyes. "At least now I can prove what we are up against, thanks to you two." Clinging to my arm, Pat looked at me and sighed, "Thanks to John! But the cost was high." "Maybe that price won't have to be paid. They've been working all night in Serology, since I determined that the virus gave the same reactions as the flu virus, to concentrate immune globulins from convalescent sera. They just sent up a hundred c.c.'s." He indicated a packet on the table. "John can take the first dose right now." "That's fine," I said, "and I certainly appreciate it, but why should I get the serum when other doctors on the outside, treating flu patients all day long, are not getting it. That's hardly fair."