“More probably in the Bengal army, ma’am.”

“Well, I believe you are right; but I know it’s in the Company’s service.  But the old gentleman hates my husband, and will not have anything to say to him.  I did write a very civil letter to him, in which I just hinted how glad one or two of my daughters would be to take care of his house, but he never condescended to give me an answer.  I am told that he is a very unpleasant man.”

“A difficult thing to advise, ma’am, very difficult indeed! but I can tell you a circumstance which occurred about five years ago, when a similar application to a relative in India was made by a friend of mine.  It was no more attended to than yours has been.  Nevertheless, as it was supposed that the answer had miscarried, the young lady was sent out to her relative with a decent equipment, and a letter of introduction.  Her relation was very much surprised:  but what could he do? he could not permit the young lady to remain without a roof over her head, so he received her, and as he did not like to say how he had been treated, he held his tongue.  The young lady, in the course of three months, made a very good match; and is, to my knowledge, constantly sending home India shawls and other handsome presents to her mother.”

“Indeed, Mr Heaviside, then do you advise—­”

“It is difficult, extremely difficult to advise upon so nice a point.  I only state the fact, my dear madam:  I should think the colonel must feel the want of female society; but, God bless me! it’s nearly two o’clock.  Good morning, my dear Mrs Revel—­good morning.”

“Good morning, my dear Mr Heaviside; it’s very kind of you to call in this sociable way and chat an hour or two.  Good morning.”

The result of the above conversation was a consultation between Mr Revel and his wife upon their first meeting.  Mr Revel was delighted with the plan, not so much caring at the disposal of his daughters as he was pleased with the idea of annoying his uncle, from whom he, at one time, had great expectations; but, as it was necessary to be circumspect, especially with Isabel, Mr Revel took the opportunity of a subsequent visit to state that he had received a letter from his uncle in India, wishing one of his daughters to go out and live with him.  In a few months he read another letter (composed by himself, and copied in another hand), earnestly desiring that they might all come out to him, as it would be much to their advantage.  The reluctance of the two eldest was removed by pointing out the magnificent establishments they might secure:  the consent of Isabel by a statement of difficulty and debt on the part of her parents, which would end in beggary if not relieved from the burden of their support.

By insuring her life, a sum of money sufficient for their outfit and passage was raised on Mrs Revel’s marriage settlement; and the three Miss Revels were thus shipped off by their affectionate parents, as a “venture,” in the Bombay Castle.