lly homeward, than they were
brought up short by an order to turn and carry her in the opposite
direction. No destination was specified; and the road indicated led
out towards the hills. Hookahs and chupatties tugging at their
heart-strings, roused them to mild rebellion. The mate, as established
spokesman, murmured of _khana_[32] and the lateness of the hour;
adding that the road behind them led away from the Sahibs' bungalows
to the boundary of the station.

[32] Food.

But Evelyn, whose Hindustani was still a negligible quantity, made no
attempt to follow the man's remarks. She reiterated her wish, adding
irritably, "Make no foolish talk. It is an order!"

Those magic words, _Hukm hai_, are the insignia of authority through
the length and breadth of India; and consoling one another with the
reflection that if the Memsahib had small understanding, the Sahib was
great, they jogged obediently along the lonely road toward the hills.

Evelyn's order had been given on the impulse of a moment. The idea of
confronting her husband again in less than ten minutes had overpowered
her suddenly and completely. She had only one thought--to gain-time;
to screw up her courage for the ordeal; and to realise a little what
she intended to say. It is only the strong who dare to trust that the
right words will be given them.

Her interview with Kresney had unnerved her; and a lurking doubt
quenched the spark of hope at her heart. Would Theo accept her tardy
obedience without asking unanswerable questions. Or would he simply
put her aside, with his inexorable quietness, that was far more
terrible than any spoken word?

In all the pain and bewilderment of their short interview, nothing had
so smitten her as his recoil--first and last--from the touch of her
hands. The bare possibility that he might treat her so again made
return seem out of the question. And her unhappiness struck deeper
than the fear of the moment. For the first time she realised her own
instability of feeling and purpose; and with the realisation came a
new paralysing fear of the future--of herself.

For the first time it dawned upon her that she was unworthy of the
love and faith that had been given her in such generous
measure;--which was proof conclusive, though she did not guess it,
that Honor Meredith had not laboured in vain. To know oneself unworthy
is to have achieved the first step upward. A year ago she would have
been incapable of such knowledge; and no