uld not go far wrong. In a few
years' time Grizel would have adapted herself to the new conditions and
be able to take over the reins; in the meantime he was well content that
she should devote herself to a more attractive role!

But one shadow had clouded the sun of Martin's content, and within the
last weeks that also had been removed, for after having obstinately
refused all overtures from himself and her friends, after proclaiming by
day or by night that she must go out into the world and fight her own
battles, Katrine had shown a sudden and mysterious _volte-face_. One
Thursday morning she had retired upstairs to digest her Indian mail, and
half an hour later, knocking at his study door, had announced her
intention of cabling an immediate acceptance of the Middletons'
invitation! She was trembling as she spoke, and her eyes were moist,
but Martin did not need to be told that it was joy and not sorrow which
caused her emotion. A woman would have pondered the why and wherefore
of the sudden change; Martin merely told himself with a sigh of relief
that she had "come to her senses," embraced her affectionately, and
proffered money for the cable. Later on he came to the conclusion that
Katrine must all along have intended to accept, and had been merely
indulging in a little feminine fuss, since it appeared all cut and dried
that she was to be looked after _en voyage_ by a member of Middleton's
regiment, now invalided in Egypt, Well! everything was turning out in
the most delightful fashion. In a hill station, which was a health
resort even in the hottest months, the question of climate was
practically non-existent. After the marriage Katrine would stay behind
superintending final arrangements in the new home, then travel overland
to Marseilles, where he and Grizel would meet her and give her a good
send-off. A visit of a year was mentioned, but when a girl so handsome
and striking went out to India, one could never tell... "Perhaps she'll
marry this Bedford," soliloquised Martin happily, Jim or Bedford, what
did it matter, so long as he was a good, straight fellow, and made the
girl happy!

Part 2--Chapter XIX.

Katrine came slowly up the companion-way, and looked around the deck in
search of her labelled chair. It was ten o'clock in the morning, and
the sun was blazing out of a cloudless sky. Yesterday in Marseilles it
had been grey and chill. The only cheerful thing had been Grizel's
face, fresh, pink-c