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; but the subaltern suspected that it concealed a deeper, warmer feeling.  He betrayed no jealousy of Frank’s constant companionship with her when she took part in his studies; and his friendly regard for his younger brother officer never altered.  On her side the girl showed openly that she shared the universal liking that the kindly, pleasant-natured doctor inspired.