osity was quite roused as to the new-comer, and when the Major drove
round with her the next day everyone was at home, and the verdict on
the part of the ladies was generally favorable, but was by no means so
unqualified as that of the gentlemen.

Mrs. Cromarty admitted that she was nice looking; but was critical as
to her carriage and manner. She would be admired by young officers, no
doubt, but there was too much life and animation about her, and although
she would not exactly say that she stooped, she was likely to do so in
time.

"She will be nothing remarkable when her freshness has worn off a
little."

In this opinion the Misses Cromarty thoroughly assented. They had never
been accused of stooping, and, indeed, were almost painfully upright,
and were certainly not particularly admired by subalterns.

Mrs. Doolan was charmed with her, and told her she hoped that they would
be great friends.

"This is a very pleasant life out here, my dear," she said, "if one does
but take it in the right way. There is a great deal of tittle tattle in
the Indian stations, and some quarreling; but, you know, it takes two to
make a quarrel, and I make it a point never to quarrel with anyone. It
is too hot for it. Then, you see, I have the advantage of being Irish,
and, for some reason or other that I don't understand we can say pretty
nearly what we like. People don't take us seriously, you know; so I keep
in with them all."

Mrs. Rintoul received her visitors on the sofa. "It is quite refreshing
to see a face straight from England, Miss Hannay. I only hope that you
may keep your bright color and healthy looks. Some people do. Not their
color, but their health. Unfortunately I am not one of them. I do not
know what it is to have a day's health. The climate completely oppresses
me, and I am fit for nothing. You would hardly believe that I was as
strong and healthy as you are when I first came out. You came out with
Dr. Wade--a clever man--I have a very high opinion of his talent, but my
case is beyond him. It is a sad annoyance to him that it is so, and
he is continually trying to make me believe that there is nothing the
matter with me, as if my looks did not speak for themselves."

Mrs. Rintoul afterwards told her husband she could hardly say that she
liked Miss Hannay.

"She is distressingly brisk and healthy, and I should say, my dear, not
of a sympathetic nature, which is always a pity in a young woman."

After this som