inite pains, his face, as reflected in the mirror,
looking haggard and pale. He had never seen his wife in black, which was
an excellent foil to her fair beauty, and the sight of her rendered him
tongue-tied. He had nothing to say even when she dismissed him with a
"Thanks, I'll manage very well, now."

When Joyce entered the winter-garden,--the principal lounge of the
hotel, with glazed roof and walls, its interior full of flowering
orchids, palms, and tropical plants of varied beauty, she saw Mrs.
Dalton already there, resplendent in crimson satin and jewellery,
cultivating the acquaintance of new-comers to Darjeeling who had arrived
by the train that day. It was a daring gown for colour and cut, and
Joyce was put in mind of the description she had overheard in the train,
of the lady's ball-room attire. Mrs. Dalton evidently set a high value
on the generous curves of her handsome shoulders, for she displayed them
with liberality.

Ray entering soon afterwards, performed a few introductions with a
self-control that was remarkable, considering his shaken nerves, after
which they passed into the glare of the dining-hall to the table at
which he had always dined in company with men.

Joyce excelled him in her power to sustain the role she had marked out
for them both. Her manner was winning and delightful, and, but for
Meredith's inner knowledge, it might have misled his hopes disastrously.

"Yes," she once said with subtle meaning as she smiled at an ardent
admirer who had been captivated at first sight, "I would not cable or
wire, for I wanted to give my dear husband the surprise of his life. You
can imagine his feelings! It is a mercy that joy seldom kills, or he
might have died on the spot. And I am so glad I came, though I had to
leave my wee baby with his grannie. But things might have become too
difficult later, owing to the war; and I could not be parted from Ray
indefinitely; could I, dear?" to her husband.

Ray smiled unsteadily.

"India is such a delightful country. Nothing will induce me to leave it
in a hurry again. Do you know Muktiarbad? No? It's a little paradise
though officials will call it a Penal Settlement!"

"Lucky dog, your husband!" said an admirer fatuously. "And so plucky of
you to go to the ball tonight, after your long and fatiguing journey. I
hope I may have a dance?"

"Certainly. You surely did not think I would deprive my husband of this
pleasure when he is, I am sure, one of the be