"He is voicing the sentiment of every honest man in my profession, but he overlooks the fact that sentiment has a very small place among the people we serve,--in other words, the people who love life and employ us to preserve it for them, even against the will of God." "They say that soldiers on the field of battle sometimes mercifully put an end to the lives of their mutilated comrades," she mused aloud.
"And they make it their business to put an end to the lives of the perfectly sound and healthy men who confront them on that same field of battle," he was quick to return.

"There is a wide distinction between a weapon and an instrument, Mrs.Thorpe, and there is just as much difference between the inspired soldier and the uninspired doctor, or between impulse and decision." "I believe that Mr.Thorpe would welcome death," said she.
Dr.Bates shook his head.

"My dear, if that were true he could obtain relief from his suffering to-day,--this very hour." "What do you mean ?" she cried, with a swift shudder, as one suddenly assailed by foreboding.
"There is a very sharp razor blade on his dressing-table," said Dr.Bates with curious deliberation.

"Besides that, there is sufficient poison in four of those little--But there, I must say no more.

You are alarmed,--and needlessly.