"That's my business."
"It is. If you're a low, dirty coward."
Rathbone straightened. "I won't take that from any man."
"Lower your voice, you fool! And listen to me. If she dies and you kill yourself, do you realize what that would mean? It would be advertising this situation to the world. Scandal and shame for the family. Oh, it's an easy way out for you. But can't you be man enough to think of others a little?"
"Isn't it scandal and shame anyway?"
"No. It isn't," returned the doctor energetically. "I'm going to get her out of it. All you have to do is to obey orders."
"I'll do that," said Rathbone eagerly and brokenly. "I'll do anything you say. And if ever I can repay you——"
"If you try to thank me I'll kill you!" retorted Osterhout, snarling and livid, suddenly losing control of himself in his jealous anguish of soul.
The other stared in his face, amazed but unalarmed by the outbreak. "Ah!" he breathed. "So that's the way it is with you. Well—God help you! I'm sorry. But I know now you'll do your best for her. That's all I care about."