"Why would I ask where Verner came from? There are plenty of young physicians out to start themselves a practice."

Watson drew out a cigarette from his jacket, and lit it, using the time to sort out his thoughts, sort out what on earth he was going to say.

"I am not angry about the outcome," he said at last, quietly. "I am angry that you have engineered this, that you have manipulated my life, and never thought to say a single word to me on the matter. Am I your spouse or am I your kept boy?"