The accident had happened four months before.

The notes, signed by half a dozen names, described the complete paralysis below the waist, with a few other medical details.
Monsignor looked again at the girl on the other side of the table, guarded by the brancardiers and a couple of doctors, while the monk talked to him rapidly in Latin.

He saw her closed eyes and colourless lips.
"This case has attracted a good deal of attention," whispered the monk.

"The Emperor's said to be interested in it, through one of the ladies of the Court, whose servant the girl was.

It's interesting for two or three reasons.