s improved condition was the latest bulletin issued by the ayah who
had snatched a moment to enjoy a cheap cigarette in the open.

"What a night!" she said in Hindustani, which she spoke almost as
fluently as Tamil. "With both Sahib and Memsahib awake and watching, who
could sleep? I had not the conscience to close my eyes. Nor has a morsel
passed these lips, for, with the precious one at death's door, food
turns to ashes in the mouth."

"Thou art indeed a faithful one, Ayah-jee," said the _peon_.

"It is my religion, for I am a Christian and have no caste to hold me
back from any service that is required of me, _Baba-jee_. The child is
my first thought, and to guard its life, my first care."

"For which thou art paid handsomely, is it not so?"

"That, of course! and money is a great convenience, _Baba-jee_."

Joyce was still sleeping from the effects of the draught, when Meredith
and the doctor breakfasted together. On no account was she to be
disturbed. It seemed the doctor took a malicious delight in depriving
the husband of the pleasure of carrying his wife the good news
concerning the child; and he saw him depart to preside at his court
under the trees, without a shade of sympathy for his visible distress.

"Your wife will be all right," he said confidently, "so don't worry, but
go ahead with your work. I am capable of looking after both mother and
child."

"I have no doubt of it," Meredith grumbled, "but you'll send for me,
won't you, if anything's wrong?"

"Most assuredly," was the reply. And the Magistrate took his seat at the
camp table under a leafy mango tree, and was soon immersed in his duties
to the State. Natives of all castes and creeds thronged the grass beyond
the precincts of the court, and a hoarse murmur of voices soon filled
the air, above which was constantly heard that of the crier naming a
witness, or calling up a case.

When the ayah brought Captain Dalton the news that her mistress was
showing signs of waking, he poured out and took her a cup of tea,
himself, and asked how she felt. "Not very bright, I can see," he
remarked, placing his fingers on her pulse.

"Have I slept long?" she asked drowsily.

"Five hours."

"But Baby?" she cried out in alarm, sitting up in bed, giddy and
confused.

"Baby's all right. Temperature normal, and sleeping like a cherub," he
returned pressing her back on her pillows.

"Oh, Doctor, is that true?"

"You may think me a liar, if you like, but