All these considerations were urged by Janet in her father's defense when his title to approve, disapprove, or in any way concern himself with Dr. Roberts' choice of friends and associates was vigorously questioned by Tora Smith. Colonel Smith--he had been Colonel Barrington-Smith, but he did not see now what a man wanted with two names--was, since his difference with the authorities, a very strong Radical; on principle he approved of anything of which his friends and neighbors were likely on principle to disapprove. Among other such things, he approved of Dale Bannister's views and works, and of the Doctor's indifference to Mr. Delane's opinion. And, just as Janet was more of a Tory than her father, Tora--she had been unhappily baptized in the absurd names of Victoria Regina in the loyal days before the grievance; but nothing was allowed to survive of them which could possibly be dropped--was more Radical than her father, and she ridiculed the Squire's pretensions with an extravagance which Sir Harry Fulmer, who was calling at the Smiths' when Janet came in, thought none the less charming for being very unreasonable. Sir Harry, however, suppressed his opinion on both these points--as to its being charming, because matters had not yet reached the stage when he could declare it, and as to its being unreasonable, because he was by hereditary right the head of the Liberal party in the district, and tried honestly to live up to the position by a constant sacrifice of his dearest prejudices on the altar of progress. "I suppose," he said in reply to an appeal from Tora, "that a man has a right to please himself in such things." "After all papa has done for him! Besides, Sir Harry, you know a doctor ought to be particularly careful." "What is there so dreadful about Mr. Bannister?" asked Tora. "He looks very nice." "Have you seen him, Tora?" asked Janet eagerly. "Yes; we met him riding on such a queer old horse. He looked as if he was going to tumble off every minute; he can't ride a bit. But he's awfully handsome." "What's he like?" "Oh, tall, not very broad, with beautiful eyes, and a lot of waving auburn hair; he doesn't wear it clipped like a toothbrush. And he's got a long mustache, and a straight nose, and a charming smile. Hasn't he, Sir Harry?" "I didn't notice particularly. He's not a bad-looking chap. Looks a bit soft, though." "Soft? why, he's a tremendous genius, papa says." "I didn't mean that; I mean flabby and out of training, you know." "Oh, he isn't always shooting or hunting, of course," said Tora contemptuously. "I don't suppose," remarked Janet, "that in his position of life,--well, you know, Tora, he's of quite humble birth,--he ever had the chance." "He's none the worse for that," said Sir Harry stoutly. "The worse? I think he's the better. Papa is going to ask him here." "You're quite enthusiastic, Tora." "I love to meet new people. One sees the same faces year after year in Denshire."