Desmond offered her his
arm.

"No--I do not desert you!" He spoke lightly, but significance lurked
in his tone. "The Rajah and his suite are waiting to receive us in the
Durbar Hall, and unless you object to my cigar, or send me to the
right-about, I claim you as my prisoner of war for the evening!"

"_A la bonheur_! Smoke as much as you please. You will not need to
tie a thread round my ankle, I promise you. Why didn't I get to know
you sooner?"

"Perhaps because you discovered metal more attractive?"

The light thrust drew blood. She flushed, and laughed uneasily.

"A palpable hit! I might retaliate with a coal of fire in the shape of
a compliment. But you don't deserve it. Anyway, let's make up for
lost time now. I have a feeling that we shall be good friends,
only . . . ."

"Only--what?"

"Mrs Desmond may disapprove of me."

"You'd not say that if you knew her better," he answered, warmly. "She
isn't one of your good women who make a hobby of disapproval."

"That's a mercy! It is the pet vice of the virtuous; and Mrs Mayhew
deals in it largely. No doubt it keeps her happy, and makes her feel
superior; and I wouldn't rob my worst enemy of such a heavenly
sensation! I'm sorry for her to-night, though. She hates natives
almost as much as Colonel Mayhew loves them; and I'm afraid she's not
envying herself; nor will poor Elsie, if Captain Lenox makes _her_ a
prisoner of war for the evening! He hardly vouchsafed her half a dozen
words through dinner."

"Lenox is no conversationalist," Desmond answered, looking straight
before him. "But he is a splendid fellow--worth fifty of your
drawing-room acrobats."

"You like him so much, then?"

"I do more than that. I admire him."

"You are an enthusiast!"

The shadow of change in her tone did not escape him.

"Is that also one of the vices you detest?"

"But, no! I gave you credit for more discernment. Enthusiasts and
idealists are the salt of the earth. That's why I want to know more of
_you_. There! In spite of myself I have crowned you with a coal of
fire after all! Now, please introduce me to our resplendent Rajah
Sahib. I am going to make him talk. Colonel Mayhew has dared me to
succeed!"

They entered the Durbar Hall as she spoke--a long room overloaded with
gilt furniture, gilt-framed mirrors, and the inevitable chandeliers and
musical boxes that are the insignia of semi-civilised opulence
throughout India. No self-respect