The dear Doctor was not leaving yet; he was going to indulge her by staying for a while; andthis she said with a smile at Stephen, a smile that Jack intercepted and that gave him a blow as sharp and sudden as a pistol-shot. For although he might mistake signals addressed to himself he could scarcely be mistaken about those flying for another man.
In this excerpt, the doctor decides to stay and enjoy the company of the woman, which she acknowledges with a smile directed at Stephen. However, Jack, who observes this moment, feels a piercing sense of betrayal as he realizes the woman’s affection is meant for another. His reaction is swift and intense, likened to the shock of a gunshot, highlighting the depth of his feelings and the pain of unreciprocated love.
Jack's realization reveals his vulnerabilities and jealousy, as he grapples with emotions that complicate his relationship with both the woman and Stephen. The moment encapsulates the tension between friendship and romantic feelings, showcasing O'Brian's ability to illustrate complex emotional dynamics in his characters.
