Shown into the doctor's dining-room, I took a glance at the books lying about. I always take advantage of such an opportunity of gaining immediate insight into character. Let me see a man's book-shelves, especially if they are not extensive, and I fancy I know at once, in some measure, what sort of a man the owner is. One small bookcase in a recess of the room seemed to contain all the non-professional library of Mr. Armstrong. I am not going to say here what books they were, or what books I like to see; but I was greatly encouraged by the consultation of the auguries afforded by the backs of these. I was still busy with them, when the door opened, and the doctor entered. He was the same man whom I had seen in church looking at Adela. He advanced in a frank manly way to the colonel, and welcomed him by name, though I believe no introduction had ever passed between them. Then the colonel introduced me, and we were soon chatting very comfortably. In his manner, I was glad to find that there was nothing of the professional. I hate the professional. I was delighted to observe, too, that what showed at a distance as a broad honest country face, revealed, on a nearer view, lines of remarkable strength and purity. "My daughter is very far from well," said the colonel, in answer to a general inquiry. "So I have been sorry to understand," the doctor rejoined. "Indeed, it is only too clear from her countenance." "I want you to come and see if you can do her any good." "Is not Dr. Wade attending her?" "I have already informed him that I meant to request your advice." "I shall be most happy to be of any service; but--might I suggest the most likely means of enabling me to judge whether I can be useful or not?" "Most certainly." "Then will you give me the opportunity of seeing her in a non-professional way first? I presume, from the fact that she is able to go to church, that she can be seen at home without the formality of an express visit?" "Certainly," replied the colonel, heartily. "Do me the favour to dine with us this evening, and, as far as that can go you will see her--to considerable disadvantage, I fear," he concluded, smiling sadly. "Thank you; thank you. If in my power, I shall not fail you. But you must leave a margin for professional contingencies." "Of course. That is understood."