The Pull of the Stars

Dr. Lynn examines Delia and explains to her that she thinks that due to Delia’s influenza, the baby’s heart stopped hours ago. Julia thinks, “What the doctor meant was that the stillbirth wasn’t my doing” (96). Dr. Lynn gives Julia permission to administer chloroform to Delia to help her sleep. Once Delia is asleep, Dr. Lynn apologizes for not arriving sooner. She explains that she runs a free clinic as well as owning her own practice, and Julia thinks, “[S]he had to be coming into the hospital today out of civic duty rather than for a locum’s measly wages” (96-97). Julia remembers then that Dr. Lynn was “deported for taking part in a violent uprising, unlikely as that seemed,” and thinks, “I couldn’t make her out, this Dr. Lynn” (97). Dr. Lynn sees that Delia’s skin ripped during the birth and prepares to give Delia stitches. Julia asks if Dr. Lynn works in general practice, and Dr. Lynn responds, “Are you asking how qualified I am to repair a lacerated vulva, Nurse Power?” (97). Dr. Lynn explains that she has a lot of experience—not only is she interested in various medical fields, but she has worked in midwifery and in lying-in clinics.