s of deep relief, saw that Challoner was waiting for
her to speak.

"It is essential that the right man should be chosen," she resumed.
"Our political and commercial interests demand this. There is a chance
of acquiring a strip of territory which would open a way to the trade
of the interior, but it must be done with tact as well as boldness. We
need a man with firmness and judgment who can secure us this opening
without giving the French definite ground for offence, and he must be
experienced in West African affairs. The post could not be entrusted
safely to a newcomer."

"Ah!" said Challoner; "as you seem so well informed, I presume you have
somebody to suggest."

She could learn nothing from his manner, which had changed and grown
formal.

"I know a man who has all the necessary qualifications. He is resolute
and enterprising; a soldier who has distinguished himself in action and
a clever administrator. What is more, the direction of affairs has
been largely left in his hands for some time."

"You mean Captain Sedgwick?" Challoner's tone was discouragingly
reserved. "May I ask what leads you to plead his cause?"

"First of all because I think he is the best man."

"A good reason," said the Colonel. "Still I'm inclined to think you
have a better one."

Mrs. Chudleigh hesitated while the colour crept into her face; then she
said simply, "I love him."

Challoner bowed. "I am honoured by your confidence, but if he were
chosen, it would separate you. You could not stand the climate of
Western Africa."

"I know," she said eagerly. "These appointments, however, are not for
long and we are willing to defer our marriage if it will give him an
opportunity of showing what he can do."

There was silence for the next minute. Challoner was somewhat touched
by her frank appeal, and though he saw that she was sufficiently
ambitious to subordinate her affection to her desire for her lover's
advancement, it was an ambition he could sympathize with. The woman
was willing to make a sacrifice. For all that, he felt that he could
not conscientiously help her.

"I wish you had asked for something else," he said. "I'm sorry this
favour is not in my power."

"You can know nothing against Captain Sedgwick," the answered sharply.

"Certainly not; the trouble is that personally I know nothing in his
favour."

"But I have assured you that there is nobody so suitable."

"That is a different matter. Your opini