"Fever and neuralgia. Some days she will lie in a darkened room and
see no one but her ayah; she won't even admit me, though occasionally I
do slip in; she has had a bad attack lately, but is now convalescent.
Oh, I see Mrs. Muller moving at last; now we shall be going."

"I'm afraid you've found this show a hit dull."

"Not at all--it has been a most interesting sight; I don't know when I
have enjoyed myself so much."

"So have I; it has been a----"

Whatever Shafto was about to add was interrupted by Mrs. Muller, who
pounced on his companion with a laughing apology, and handed her over
to the charge of Herr Bernhard.

Two days later Mrs. Gregory and Mrs. Milward called at "Heidelberg,"
and on the veranda encountered Sophy, who was hurrying out to keep an
appointment to practise duets with Frau Muller.

"I'm so dreadfully sorry," she said, when the first greetings were
over, "but I must go; I'll get back as soon as ever I can. Aunt Flora
is at home."

But when Sophy returned the visitors had already departed, leaving
their hostess a good deal disturbed. Indeed, Mrs. Krauss's languid
spirits had been violently shaken. Mrs. Milward had remarked on
Sophy's changed appearance, and her tone had been hostile.

"It is very plain that Burma does not suit her," she said. "I could
not believe that any girl would have altered in so short a time; I
shall write to her mother at once."

"Oh, dear Mrs. Milward, what do you mean?"

"I should think anyone could _see_ what I mean," rejoined the lady, who
was very angry and had heard the tale of Sophy's heavy cares.

"The girl looks ill. I have known Sophy for years--known her since she
was a small child--and I can assure you that she has never been
accustomed to a strenuous indoor employment, to getting no exercise or
relaxation--or ever meeting people of her own age."

Her hostess was struck dumb; her torpid conscience suddenly awoke and
condemned her; Mrs. Milward, who was immediately leaving Rangoon and
had no fear of retaliation, continued with ruthless animosity:

"It is true what you say--that your niece has been a wonderful comfort
to _you_, but will it be a comfort to her mother when she hears that
she is merely a hard-worked lady-help? I think it would be well to
arrange that she should return home with _me_."

Tears now trembled in the culprit's dark eyes, and she fumbled for her
handkerchief.

"Oh, Mrs. Milward," she said piteously, "I do see what yo