is perhaps natural, a very good opinion of
himself, and he distinguished himself more than once in the Punjaub
by acts of personal gallantry. I have no doubt he thinks it an awful
nuisance coming to a quiet little station like this, and he will
probably try to while away his time by making himself very agreeable to
you. But I don't think you need quite believe all that he says."

"I have long ago got over the weakness of believing people's flattery,
Doctor. However, now you have forewarned me I am forearmed."

The Doctor hesitated, and then said gravely, "It is not my habit to
speak ill of people, my dear. You do me the justice to believe that?"

"I am sure it is not, Doctor."

"Well, child, in a station like this you must see a good deal of this
man. He is a man who has won many hearts, and thrown them away. Don't
let him win yours. He is not a good man; he has been mixed up in several
grave scandals; he has been the ruin of more than one young man at cards
and billiards; he is in all respects a dangerous man. Anatomically I
suppose he has a heart, morally he has not a vestige of one. Whatever
you do, child, don't let him make you like him."

"I don't think there is much fear of that, Doctor, after what you have
said," she replied, with a quiet smile; "and I am obliged to you indeed
for warning me."

"I know I am an old fool for meddling, but you know, my dear, I feel
a sort of personal relationship to you, after your having been in my
charge for six months. I don't know a single man in all India whom I
would not rather see you fall in love with than with Captain Forster."

"I thought uncle did not seem particularly pleased: when he came in to
tiffin, and said there was a new arrival."

"I should think not," the Doctor said; "the man in notoriously a
dangerous fellow; and yet, as he has never actually outstepped what are
considered the bounds which constitute an officer and a gentleman, he
has retained his commission, but it has been a pretty close shave once
or twice. Your uncle must know all about him, everyone does; but I don't
suppose the Major will open his mouth to you on the subject--he is one
of those chivalrous sort of men who never thinks evil of anyone unless
he is absolutely obliged to; but in a case like this I think he is
wrong. At any rate, I have done what I consider to be my duty in the
matter. Now I leave it in your hands. I am glad to see that you are
looking quite yourself again, and have go