Now let me ask in turn after you.

I hope no unpleasant business brings you up three hundred miles from your practice ?" "Nothing, I assure you.

Only I have given up my Aberalva practice.

I am going to the East." "Like the rest of the world." "Not exactly.

You go as a dignified soldier of her Majesty's; I as an undignified Abel Drugger, to dose Bashi-bazouks." "Impossible! and with such an opening as you had there! You must excuse me; but my opinion of your prudence must not be so rudely shaken." "Why do you not ask the question which Balzac's old Tourangeois judge asks, whenever a culprit is brought before him,--'Who is she ?'" "Taking for granted that there was a woman at the bottom of every mishap?
I understand you," said the Major, with a sad smile.