been tolerated in a civilised
country," said Reginald.

"Your highness is very particular," observed Captain Hawkesford with a
scarcely suppressed sneer.

"No man can be too particular in doing what is right," said Reginald,
turning away from his guest, to whom he had hitherto paid just as much
attention as etiquette required.

He was glad, however, when the banquet came to a conclusion; when,
issuing an order that Captain Hawkesford's escort should be in readiness
to start, he, with studied formality, wished him goodbye; and telling
Burnett that he desired his company, he retired to his private
apartment.

Burnett in a short time made his appearance.

"I cannot stand this sort of thing much longer," Reginald exclaimed, as
he paced up and down the room. "I will try to carry out the necessary
reforms, and I will then beg the British Government to take possession
of the country, and to preserve order as best they can. I am sure
Violet will never be happy here; and I intend proposing a return to
England as soon as her father will consent to our marriage."

"There is not much probability that the colonel will refuse his
permission," observed Burnett, laughing; "and I trust that you will
allow me, at the same time, to become the husband of your sister."

The next day, Colonel Ross arrived to pay his state visit. Reginald
received him with a full display of Oriental magnificence. As soon as
etiquette would allow, he begged his presence in his private apartments,
where, having briefly narrated his adventures, he gave an account of his
birth and prospects. He declared that his sole ambition was to become
the husband of Violet, and to devote himself to the delightful task of
making her happy.

"You have hitherto known me only as Reginald Hamerton, and such I might
have remained had I not visited Allahapoor, where, in an unexpected
manner, I was acknowledged by the rajah as the son of his daughter, and
by his means succeeded in obtaining possession of certain documents
which I had been charged by my father if possible to obtain. Some were
title-deeds of large estates in England: the most important, however,
being the marriage certificate of my father and mother; the existence of
which was denied by those who disputed my claim to the title of Lord
Hamerton and the possession of the estates."

Colonel Ross, as Burnett had shrewdly suspected, did not hesitate to
afford Reginald his hearty sanction to his marriage w