ch lasted three-quarters of
an hour. The young fellow dreaded the Sabbath and rebelled against his
gloomy, comfortable, middle-class home, where he had no individuality,
no rights--and no latch-key! At last he broke loose--the flesh and
blood of twenty-two years old revolted. At twelve o'clock one night he
found himself locked out and, as the first bold peal of the bell
elicited no reply, he never again applied for admittance, but with four
pounds in his pockets and a good saleable watch, launched his little
skiff upon the great, wide world.

Behold him now comfortably established in a foreign land, occupying a
responsible position in a well-known firm, the husband of a clever,
thrifty woman, who was actively engaged in building up his fortune.
After an interval of some years, the Salters at home discovered that
their prodigal had undoubtedly killed and thriven on his own fatted
calf. The usual little bird had informed them that "Abel was much
thought of and prosperous; had a grand home in Rangoon, dozens of
servants, and was married." Friendly letters were dispatched--for
"Nothing succeeds like success"--and a brisk correspondence ensued.
Information and photographs were promptly exchanged, and the family
received a nicely-finished presentment of Rosetta in her smartest and
shortest frock. They were much impressed by the grandchild born to
them in Burma, and she was immediately installed in a handsome silver
frame, introduced to all their neighbours and to most of their chapel
friends.

But what would have been the sensation of these worthy people if they
had received a portrait of Mee Lay in full festival costume--flowers in
hair and white cheroot in hand!

On the subject of Mrs. Abel Salter there was but scanty information;
her old maid sisters-in-law were given to understand that she sent them
her best good-wishes--she also forwarded silks and jars of Burmese
condiments, but her husband declared that she was very lazy about
letter-writing and constitutionally shy. Her maiden name, they were
told, had been Mary Lee, and this information had sufficed.

Besides having the entree to the Salters' domestic circle, Shafto had
been elected a member of the Gymkhana Club, where he made various new
acquaintances--and these increased in number as his prowess in tennis
and cricket became evident; then, with the advice--and, indeed, almost
under the compulsion--of FitzGerald, he purchased a smart stud-bred
mare, certa