"Nonsense!"
"It will naturally not be very pleasant for me," James said, coloring.
"Why not?" asked Gordon irritably. "You are not a love-sick girl."
"No, I am not," James returned with spirit. "I know I am jilted, but I mean to take, and I think I am taking it, like a man. If Clemency does not want me, I am sure I do not want her to have me. And I can stand seeing her daily under the altered condition of things. I am no milk-sop. Generally speaking, living under a roof when you are an object of aversion to a member of the household, is not exactly pleasant."
"You are not an object of aversion."
"I might as well be."
Gordon looked at the young man pitifully. "For God's sake, then don't leave me, Elliot," he said.
James stared at him. There was so much emotion in his face.
"What do you think my life would be without you?" said Gordon. "Aside from your assistance, which I cannot do without, you are my only solace, especially since Clemency is in this mood. Stay for my sake, if it is unpleasant, Elliot."
"Well, I will stay, if you feel so about it, doctor," James replied.