interposed the colonel, forgetting how roundly he had sworn at Harry
himself, "'by the time you're my age, you'll be more careful of the few
brains you'll have left.' To which expostulated Master Harry replied: 'If
your lordship had been my age, and would have done it yourself to kill a
fox: when I am your lordship's age, I hope I shall have the grace left to
do as much to save a man.' Whereupon his lordship rejoined, holding out
his hand, 'By Jove! sir, you are an honour to your profession. Come and
dine with me on Monday.' And what do you think the idiot did?--Backed out
of it, and wouldn't go, because he thought his lordship condescending, and
he didn't want his patronage. But his lordship's not a bit like that, you
know."

"Then if he isn't, he'll like Harry all the better for declining, and will
probably send him a proper invitation."

And sure enough, I was right; and Harry did dine at Castle Irksham on
Monday.

Adela's eyes showed clearly enough that her ears were devouring every word
we had said; and the glow on her face could not be mistaken by me at
least, though to another it might well appear only the sign of such an
enthusiasm as one would like every girl to feel in the presence of noble
conduct of any kind. She had heard the whole story last night you may be
sure; and I do not doubt that the unrestrained admiration shown by her
father for the doctor's conduct, was a light in her heart which sleep
itself could not extinguish, and which went shining on in her dreams.
Admiration of the beloved is dear to a woman. You see I like to show that
although I _am_ an old bachelor, I know something about _them_.

I met Harry that morning; that is, I contrived to meet him.