“I suppose they know it’s your weak point.”
Philip faced him and looked at him steadily.
“Are you very glad to have discovered it?”
The doctor did not answer, but he gave a chuckle of bitter mirth. They sat for a while staring at one another. Then Doctor South surprised Philip extremely.
“Why don’t you stay here and I’ll get rid of that damned fool with his mumps?”
“It’s very kind of you, but I hope to get an appointment at the hospital in the autumn. It’ll help me so much in getting other work later.”
“I’m offering you a partnership,” said Doctor South grumpily.
“Why?” asked Philip, with surprise.
“They seem to like you down here.”
“I didn’t think that was a fact which altogether met with your approval,” Philip said drily.