hin the small circle of their
community. Reginald had told no one of Captain Hawkesford's conduct,
but that officer scarcely attempted to conceal his hatred of him, and
took every opportunity of making unpleasant remarks, especially in the
presence of Violet and Colonel Ross,--though they were of such a
character that Reginald could not well notice them. He knew Violet's
opinion of Captain Hawkesford, however; and he believed that her father
did not hold him in much higher estimation.

The fact was that Captain Hawkesford felt almost confident that Reginald
had left the casket, with its valuable contents, behind at Allahapoor;
and he calculated, not without reason, that they would never be
recovered. He scarcely concealed his satisfaction, therefore, when
intelligence was brought that the palace, after being ransacked by the
populace, had been completely burned to the ground. Reginald heard the
news with a quivering lip, though he endeavoured to hide his feelings.

"It is as I feared," he said to Violet. "My only hope now is that I may
have an opportunity of winning fame and fortune by my sword; and for
your sake I will strive to do so, or perish in the attempt. For myself,
I confess that, after the brief experience I have had of the little
satisfaction wealth and splendour can afford, I would rather live in a
quiet home in England, devoting myself to doing all the good in my power
to my humbler neighbours, than be compelled again to play the part of an
Oriental ruler."

"Believe me, Reginald, I would far rather share that humble home with
you than become the bride of the most wealthy noble in the land," said
Violet, gazing affectionately at him.

What more could Reginald wish?

"I trust, dearest, that our wishes may be accomplished, and that it may
be the will of Heaven that we shall return in safety to Old England," he
replied.

The thought of poor Faithful came into Reginald's mind. That
unfortunate animal, confined in her den, must have perished miserably in
the flames. He truly grieved less for the loss of all his treasures
than he did for his strange pet--so gentle with him in spite of her
savage nature, so attached, and who had rendered him such essential
service. "Her sad fate will go wellnigh to break honest Dick's tender
heart, when he hears of it," he said to himself. "I wish, too, that I
had Dick back. I fear, however, that he will find great difficulty in
getting up the country; and I almo