Within himself he was revolving a question--how would Bryce take it?
He had never liked this assistant of his, although he had then had him in employment for nearly two years.

There was something about Pemberton Bryce which he did not understand and could not fathom.

He had come to him with excellent testimonials and good recommendations; he was well up to his work, successful with patients, thoroughly capable as a general practitioner--there was no fault to be found with him on any professional grounds.

But to Ransford his personality was objectionable--why, he was not quite sure.

Outwardly, Bryce was rather more than presentable--a tall, good-looking man of twenty-eight or thirty, whom some people--women especially--would call handsome; he was the sort of young man who knows the value of good clothes and a smart appearance, and his professional manner was all that could be desired.
But Ransford could not help distinguishing between Bryce the doctor and Bryce the man--and Bryce the man he did not like.