Hallam laughed and talked, telling her about something or other--she did not know what--but all she listened to was the steady footsteps passing, repassing.
"Your orderly--" she scarce knew what she was saying--"is the same--the one you had Christmas Eve ?" "Yes," said Hallam.

"How did you know ?" "I re--thought so." "What wonderfully sharp eyes those violet ones of yours are, Ailsa! Yes, I did take Ormond with me on Christmas Eve--the surly brute." "Or--Ormond ?" "That's his rather high-flown name.

Curious fellow.

I like him--or try to.

I've an odd idea he doesn't like me, though.
Funny, isn't it, how a man goes out of his way to win over a nobody whom he thinks doesn't like him but ought to?
He's an odd crab," he added.
"Odd ?" Her voice sounded so strange to her that she tried again.
"Why do you think him odd ?" "Well, he is.