to fix its attention when it
did not know you from a mango tree!" They laughed heartily at the
recollection.

"Where are the Merediths, by the way?"

"They are stationed at Darjeeling, which suits the baby very
well--perhaps you don't know that there is another baby?"

"I believe Jack wrote something of the sort, some little time back."

"A baby girl this time, and getting on splendidly."

"Where is the first?--still with the grandparents?"

"Yes. I saw him not long ago--such a beautiful boy and so independent!
The old people are so proud of him. Do you know that Jack and Kitty are
at home?"

"No! When did they come? I did not know that women were allowed
passages?"

"They managed to 'wangle' it, somehow. Jack had malaria and was ordered
home by the doctors. It was a most exciting voyage, from all accounts,
for their boat was chased by a submarine in the Bay of Biscay and
escaped two torpedoes by a miracle."

"Horrible!"

"Kitty says she would not have missed the experience for anything; but
Jack declares the anxiety has taken ten years off his life."

"Dear old Jack! Where are they? I shall look them up."

"Staying with his people. They are in love with Kitty and can't make
enough of her."

"And what are your plans now that the war is over?"

"Brian expects to return to India, in which case, we go with him."

"You'll take the baby?"

"Most assuredly! Master Tommy is not going to be left behind by his
Mummy--not on any account!"

"But the climate? I thought it does not agree with babies?"

"It agrees quite well; at least for the first few years. I am not so
sure about it later on, but, 'sufficient unto the day is the evil
thereof.' We'll begin to think about sending him home when he turns
seven. You see, we have the hills, and life is too short for unnecessary
partings."

"I am with you there! How are Mr. and Mrs. Bright?"

"As usual, thank you. Father retires after the New Year, and they will
live in Edinburgh. And what of your plans, Tommy?"

"I dare say I shall be back in the Police again, before long."

"And have you not found any one yet as a life-partner, to make India
worth while?" she asked kindly.

Tommy smiled. "I am in no hurry, being difficult to please. I shall have
to find the lady whose price, according to old Solomon, is 'far above
rubies,' or remain in single blessedness all my days."

"You'll find her right enough if you _know where_ to look, and _how_!"
said Honor laug