"Hist! Don't mention them," said the doctor; and Huish gave a sigh of relief as he thought how much better the dinner would pass off without such company. A minute later and they were seated at table, John Huish on the doctor's right, and the captain on his right again. The stubborn, heavy man was upon Miss Stonor's right, and the pensive-looking man facing Huish. Grace was said, the cover of the soup-tureen was lifted with a flourish by Daniel, and Miss Stonor ladled out the clear brown _julienne_, half hidden herself behind the tureen, till all were helped but Mr Rawlinson and the doctor. Mr Rawlinson passed his hands through his iron-grey hair, and smiled as he watched the ladle go down into the steaming fluid and come up again to be emptied into the plate held by Daniel. "And so, Rawlinson, you would heavily fine the companies?" said the doctor. "Indeed I would," was the reply. "Would you mind, Miss Stonor," he continued insinuatingly, "half a ladleful more? Delicious soup. Thanks." Miss Stonor smiled, and the soup was placed before him, when, to the amazement of Huish, Mr Rawlinson sent his chair back with a quick motion, deftly-lifted the soup-plate on to the Turkey carpet, and, as if it were a footpan, composedly placed the toes of his patent-leather shoes therein. Miss Stonor did not move a muscle--she might have been a disciple of Daniel; while the doctor said quietly: "Head hot, Rawlinson?" "Yes, very," was the reply, as the eccentric guest smiled and nodded. "I'd go and lie down for an hour," said the doctor gently. "Would you--would you?" said Mr Rawlinson, smiling pleasantly. "Well, I will." "Come and join us presently if you feel better," said the doctor. "Certainly I will," said Mr Rawlinson. "Miss Stonor, you'll excuse me?" Miss Stonor bowed, and he turned upon Daniel. "A napkin, Daniel," he said rather severely. "I cannot leave the room with my shoes in this state." He lifted his feet from the soup-plate as he spoke, and sat with his legs at right angles to his body, while in the most matter-of-fact way Daniel stooped down, wiped the patent-leather shoes, and, sticking his thumbs into his armholes, Mr Rawlinson calmly left the room. "Suppose you ease off a little to the left, Roberts," said the doctor, as the soup-plate was removed. "Rawlinson will not be back to dinner." "No," said the captain, smiling. "Poor fellow!" he continued, turning to Huish; "you would not have thought he was a little wrong, I suppose?" "Indeed I should not," said Huish eagerly. "No," said the captain. "He looks as sane as I am; but he breaks out now and then, poor fellow!" Just then Daniel was helping the guests to sherry, and Huish noticed that the captain's glass was passed.