I was thinking thus;--vaguely contrasting his smooth, handsome face with that sharp one of Penelope's--how much faster she grows old than he does, though they are exactly of an age!--when the ladies rose. Captain Treherne and Colin rushed to open the door--Francis did not take that trouble--and Lisabel, passing, smiled equally on both her adorers. Colin made some stupid compliment; and the other, silent, looked her full in the face. If any man so dared to look at me, I would like to grind him to powder. Oh! I'm sick of love and lovers--or the mockery of them--sick to the core of my heart! In the drawing-room I curled myself up in a corner beside Mrs. Granton, whom it is always pleasant to talk to. We revived the great blanket, beef, and anti-beer question, in which she said she had found an unexpected ally. "One who argues, even more strongly than your father and I, my dear--as I was telling Mr. Johnston to-day at dinner, and wishing they were acquainted--argues _against_ the beer." This was a question of whether or not our poor people should have beer with their Christmas dinner. Papa, who holds strong opinions against the use of intoxicating drinks, and never tastes them himself, being, every year, rather in ill odour on the subject. I asked who was this valuable ally? "None of our neighbours, you may be sure. A gentleman from the camp--you may have met him at my house--a Doctor Urquhart." I could not help smiling, and said it was curious how I was perpetually hearing of Doctor Urquhart. "Even in our quiet neighbourhood, such a man is sure to be talked about. Not in society perhaps--it was quite a marvel for Colin to get him to our ball, but because he does so many things while we humdrum folk are only thinking about them." I asked what sort of things? In his profession? "Chiefly, but he makes professional business include so much. Imagine his coming to Colin as ground-landlord of Bourne hamlet, to beg him to see to the clearing of the village pool? or writing to the lord of the manor, saying that twenty new cottages built on the moor would do more moral good than the new county reformatory? He is one of the very few men who are not ashamed to say what they think--and makes people listen to it too--as they rarely do to those not long settled in the neighbourhood, and about whom they know little or nothing." I asked if nothing were known about Doctor Urquhart? Had he any relations? Was he married? "Oh, no, surely not married. I never enquired, but took it for granted. However, probably my son knows. Shall I find out, and speak a good word for you, Miss Dora?" "No, thank you," said I, laughing. "You know I hate soldiers." 'Tis Mrs. Granton's only fault--her annoying jests after this fashion. Otherwise, I would have liked to have asked a few more questions about Doctor Urquhart. I wonder if I shall ever meet him again? The regiments rarely stay long at the camp, so that it is not probable.