u mean. I
have been ill and stupid; my husband has always spoiled me, and thinks
that other people are only brought into the world to wait upon _me_. I
realise my selfishness now. Yes, you are right, the child looks pale
and no longer flits about the house singing her little songs. I beg
you will not alarm my sister; I will undertake that things are altered
and you may depend upon me, dear Mrs. Milward; you have made me feel
horribly guilty. I know I am a self-centred invalid, but I intend to
mend my ways." And tears, no longer to be restrained, trickled down
the worn, cadaverous face of Mrs. Krauss.

CHAPTER XVIII

THE CHINESE SHOP

The solemn promise Mrs. Krauss had made to Mrs. Milward was honourably
redeemed, and a new and agreeable vista opened before Sophy Leigh. Her
aunt roused herself, as it were, from a long sleep; the little bay
horse was recalled from Prome; a Rolls-Royce was purchased (Herr Krauss
signed the cheque without a murmur); a highly-recommended Portuguese
butler was engaged to undertake the heavier forms of housekeeping; and
Mrs. Krauss once more re-entered society--figuratively leading by the
hand a lovely niece, of whom she was unaffectedly proud and who, she
imparted to her friends, "had given her a new interest in life."

Hitherto, she declared, she had felt like a flower that was withering
for the lack of sun; now Sophy supplied the sunshine. Sophy was
endowed with a personality that inspired happiness, and looked on the
world as the abode of joy. And so at last pretty Miss Leigh tasted the
delights of the Gymkhana Club, and took part in tennis, golf and
dancing. There were boating parties on the Royal lakes and picnics in
the woods. She made many acquaintances and had quite "a waiting list"
of partners. Sometimes of a morning, but much more frequently of an
evening, after tennis or boating, Mrs. Krauss would drive down to
Phayre Street. There the shops were on the best European lines, and
exhibited all the latest articles from London, Paris, or Berlin,
tempting rupees out of people's pockets. Mrs. Krauss was a liberal
purchaser, whether of European stores, fancy goods, drapery, or
jewellery; this generous aunt presented Sophy with a pair of heavy gold
bangles, a string of pearls and an exquisite fan and kimono. These
latter were found at an Indian repository owned by a well-known
Bengali, with a large clientele (Burmese themselves are too indolent to
make successful