friends. Even Tommy had ceased to share his
confidence. There was a rumour that the Collector had spoken to him like
a father and was seriously thinking of having him transferred--a
suggestion which had been made by his wife, prompted by Honor. But
transfers were not effected in a twinkling, and Jack still remained at
Mrs. Fox's beck and call, took her out in his side car, and was often
missing of an evening when it was expected of him to turn up at a
special gathering of his friends.

In desperation Tommy confided to Honor that Christmas was going to be as
dull as Good Friday, as there would be nothing doing. And Honor not to
be beaten, collected subscriptions, sent out invitations, and threw
herself heartily into the task of organizing a good time.

In the end, Christmas week at Muktiarbad was a season of mild amusement
and effortless good-fellowship. A few guests arrived to assist in making
merry, and there was no discordant note to jar the harmony of the
gatherings.

* * * * *

Jack arrived at the crisis of his life, on Christmas Eve, in Calcutta,
when he felt that the invisible bonds threatening to enslave him were
suddenly tightened, rendering his escape well-nigh impossible.

He had taken a box at the theatre, from which he and Mrs. Fox watched
the "Bandmann Troupe" in their latest success.

"What a mercy we are not staying at the same hotel, Jack," said Mrs.
Fox. "It did feel rotten at first, but as it turns out, it will be all
for the best, old thing. I have extraordinary news for you."

"You have?--out with it!" he said absently. She had so often surprises
on him which generally ended in some new suggestion of intrigue, that he
was both unmoved and incurious.

"First tell me how fond you are of me. You haven't said much about it
since we came to town."

"We haven't been so very much alone, have we?"

"No, worse luck! but there is no reason why you should not make up for
it whenever we are together. You must have heaps of quite charming
things to say? In fact, you do love me tremendously, Jack, don't you?"
she coaxed.

"I thought I had proved it sufficiently," he said colouring with
annoyance while he tried to look amiable.

"You are a darling--like your silly old name which I adore! What a
topping world this is! You don't know how much you have altered
everything for me. I feel such a kid, and everyone tells me I might be
in my teens!" she said with a pitiable att