was annoyed, and even her brother,
who usually saw no fault in his friend, felt uncomfortable at Chunerbutty's
incivility to their guest.

Dermot, however, appeared not to notice it. He behaved with perfect
courtesy to the Hindu, and ignored his attempts at impertinence, much to
Daleham's relief, winning Noreen's admiration by his self-control. He
skilfully steered the conversation to the subject of the Bengalis employed
on the estate. The engineer at first denied that there were Brahmins among
them, but when told of Narain Dass's claim to be one, he pretended
ignorance of the fact. This obvious falsehood confirmed Dermot's suspicion
of him.

The Dalehams were not sorry when Chunerbutty rose to say good-night shortly
after they had left the dining-room. He was starting at an early hour next
morning on a long ride to Lalpuri to visit his father, of whose health he
said he had received disquieting news.

When Noreen went to bed that night she lay awake for some time thinking of
their new friend. In addition to her natural feeling of gratitude to him
for saving her from deadly peril, there was the consciousness that he was
eminently likable in himself. His strength of character, his manliness, the
suggestion of mystery about him in his power over wild animals and the
fearlessness with which he risked the dangers of the forest, all increased
the attraction that he had for her. Still thinking of him she fell asleep.

And Dermot? Truth to tell, his thoughts dwelt longer on Chunerbutty and
Narain Dass than on Miss Daleham. He liked the girl, admired her nature,
her unaffected and frank manner, her kind and sunny disposition. He
considered her decidedly pretty; but her good looks did not move him much,
for he was neither impressionable nor susceptible, and had known too many
beautiful women the world over to lose his heart readily. Possibly under
other circumstances he might not have given the girl a second thought, for
women had never bulked largely in his life. But the strange beginning of
their acquaintance had given her, too, a special interest.

The Dalehams' arrival at the club the next day with their guest caused
quite a sensation. At any time a stranger was a refreshing novelty to this
isolated community. But in addition Dermot had the claim of old friendship
with one of their members, and the other men knew him by repute. So he was
welcomed with the open-hearted hospitality for which planters are
deservedly renowne