Chapters 17-19 Summary

In Chapter 17, Vera Gangart is concerned about Pavel, so she spends more time in the ward than usual, watching him. She enters into a conversation with Oleg, and they learn about each other. Oleg is very attracted to this woman, but he knows she is married. Vera learns there will be an inspection the next day and tells the ward they must put away the items that are not issued by the hospital. She begins with Oleg's cabinet and finds a brown liquid substance. He tells her it is a magic root he has been taking for his cancer, and she insists he give it to her. He says no, let us go outside and I will pour it out. They go outside and he pours it out and watches her walk back inside. Vera is actually not married, but ashamed...