I say nothing of the effect upon
unvitiated tastes; I refer only to those with diseased appetites who
made happen to be present."
"It will be bad for them, certainly. Such people should stay at
home."
And saying this, Dr. Angier turned from the two gentlemen to speak
with a professional friend who came toward him at the moment.
CHAPTER XII.
"THE doctor likes his glass of wine," remarked one of the gentlemen
as Dr. Angier left them.
"Is that so?"
"Didn't you observe his heightened color and the gleam in his eyes?"
"I noticed something unusual in his manner, but did not think it the
effect of wine."
"He is a reticent man, with considerable of what may be called
professional dignity, and doesn't often let himself down to laymen
as he did just now."
"There wasn't much letting down, that I could see."
"Perhaps not; but professional pride is reserved and sensitive in
some persons. It hasn't much respect for the opinions of
non-experts, and is chary of discussion with laymen. Dr. Angier is
weak, or peculiar if you please, in this direction. I saw that he
was annoyed at your reply to his remark that you do not cure a
thirsty man by withholding water. It was a little thing, but it
showed his animus. The argument was against him, and it hurt his
pride. As I said, he likes his glass of wine, and if he does not
take care will come to like it too well.
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