. She was invited to the private entertainments at
Government House, and His Excellency the Governor always danced with
her. Her programme was crowded at every ball; and she had been asked to
take one of the leading parts in "The Country Girl" to be produced by
the Amateur Dramatic Society. She had two excellent ponies with which to
hunt and to join in _gymkhanas_. She wished Frank could be with her; but
probably he was enjoying himself more with his wild beasts and Tiger
Girls. As to his proposal that she should go to him at once in that
little station he must have been mad when he made it. For had they not
discussed the matter thoroughly and decided that they must wait? She
presumed that he had not suddenly come into a fortune. From his
description of Ranga Duar and its inhabitants it could be no place for
her under the circumstances. No; there was nothing to do but to wait.
Besides, it was so very jolly now at Poona. Frank must not be an
impatient boy; and she sent him all her love. His cheque she had torn
up.

The subaltern whistled, read the letter again very carefully, folded and
put it away. What had come to Violet? This was so unlike her. Still, he
had to confess to himself that he was relieved at not yet having to
cross the Rubicon. Perhaps she was right; it might be better to wait. He
was glad to know that for a time at least she was away from the
uncongenial surroundings of Rohar and again enjoying life. He went
through the official correspondence, shoved it in his pocket, put on
coat and boots and splashed through the water down the road to the
Commanding Officer's bungalow. When they had discussed the official
letters and drafted answers to them Wargrave told Major Hunt of the gist
of Violet's reply. The senior officer nodded, but said nothing about it
and went on to talk of other matters.

Next day the subaltern informed Colonel Dermot, who made no comment and
did not refer to the matter again. His wife, ignorant of Mrs. Norton's
existence, delighted to talk to Wargrave about Muriel, a topic always
interesting to him, dangerous though it was to his peace of mind. His
thoughts were constantly with the girl, and he sought eagerly for news
of her when occasional letters came to Mrs. Dermot from her, touring
their wide forest district with her father.

Frank had never been able to fathom Burke's feelings towards her. The
Irishman's manner to her in public was always light-hearted and
cheerfully friendly; bu