r's wages.

As the boat neared Liverpool, Lambert and Mrs. Townley grew nervous. The
truth regarding the Indian wife had become known among the passengers,
and most were very curious--some in a well-bred fashion, some
intrusively, vulgarly. Mackenzie, Lali's companion, like Boulter, was
expressionless in face. She had her duty to do, paid for liberally, and
she would do it. Lali might have had a more presentable and dignified
attendant, but not one more worthy. It was noticeable that the captain
of the ship and all the officers had been markedly courteous to Mrs.
Armour throughout the voyage, but, to their credit, not ostentatiously
so. When the vessel was brought to anchor and the passengers were being
put upon the tender, the captain came and made his respectful adieus,
as though Lali were a lady of title in her own right, and not an Indian
girl married to a man acting under the influence of brandy and malice.
General Armour and Mrs. Armour were always grateful to Lambert and Mrs.
Townley for the part they played in this desperate little comedy. They
stood still and watchful as the passengers came ashore one by one. They
saw that they were the centre of unusual interest, but General Armour
was used to bearing himself with a grim kind of indifference in public,
and his wife was calm, and so somewhat disappointed those who probably
expected the old officer and his wife to be distressed. Frank Armour's
solicitor was also there, but, with good taste, he held aloof. The two
needed all their courage, however, when they saw a figure in buckskin
and blanket step upon the deck, attended by a very ordinary, austere,
and shabbily-dressed Scotswoman. But immediately behind them were
Edward Lambert and Mrs. Townley, and these, with their simple tact,
naturalness, and freedom from any sort of embarrassment, acted as foils,
and relieved the situation.

General Armour advanced, hat in hand. "You are my son's wife?" he said
courteously to this being in a blanket.

She looked up and shook her head slightly, for she did not quite
understand; but she recognised his likeness to her husband, and
presently she smiled up musingly. Mackenzie repeated to her what General
Armour had said. She nodded now, a flash of pleasure lighting up her
face, and she slid out her beautiful hand to him. The general took it
and pressed it mechanically, his lips twitching slightly. He pressed it
far harder than he meant, for his feelings were at tension. She