"
"That I can quite imagine," Isobel said; "the Doctor hates humbug
of all sorts, and I don't think I should like to call him in myself
for an imaginary ailment."
"I rather put my foot in it there," Captain Forster said to himself,
as he sauntered back to his tent. "The Major didn't like my saying
anything against Bathurst, and the girl did not like my remark about
the Doctor. I wonder whether she objected also to what I said about
that fellow Bathurst--a sneaking little hound he was, and there
is no doubt about his showing the white feather in the Punjaub.
However, I don't think that young lady is of the sort to care about
a coward, and if she asks any questions, as I dare say she will,
after what I have said, she will find that the story is a true one.
What a pretty little thing she is! I did not see a prettier face
all the time I was at home. What with her and Mrs. Doolan, time is
not likely to hang so heavily here as I had expected."
The Major, afraid that Isobel might ask him some questions about
this story of Bathurst leaving the army, went off hastily as soon
as Captain Forster had left. Isobel sat impatiently tapping the
floor with her foot, awaiting the Doctor, who usually came for half
an hour's chat in the afternoon.
"Well, child, how did your dinner go off yesterday, and what did
you think of your new visitor? I saw him come away from here half
an hour ago. I suppose he has been calling."
"I don't like him at all," Isobel said decidedly.
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