"Oh, Red, they couldn't ask you to do that?"
"That was what they did ask. I saw 'red' then, for a minute, I can tell you. You can't understand just what a humiliation that would be,—it's more than you could expect of any man—"
"But with the patient needing you—"
"I know,—but it's an anomalous position, just the same—an unbearable one. Not one man in a thousand would consider it for an instant. But it's the one I've accepted—for you!"
He drew her into his arms, and had his reward. He had not known she would be so deeply touched, and his heart grew very warm.
"Bless you!" he murmured. "Do you care so much about seeing those fires banked? They would never burn you!"
"Care? Oh, how I care! But, Red, you haven't accepted an 'anomalous position.' It's a clearly defined one,—the position of the man who is big enough to take second place, because it is his duty. And I'm so proud of you—so proud! And prouder yet because you've controlled that fiery temper."
"Don't praise me yet,—it may break out again. The test is coming in the next forty-eight hours."
"You will stand it,—I know you will."
"You would put backbone into a feather-bed," said Red Pepper, with conviction, and they laughed and clung together, in the early dawn.