t now and made me want her
tremendously. But I truly hadn't thought of it--that way, before. And--I
did feel it might ease you and Dad about ... the other thing, if I went
out fixed up."

She drew his head to her and kissed him, then let her hands fall in her
lap. "Wonderful Sonling! Indeed it _would_ ease me and please me--if
coming from the true motive. Only remember, so long as you are thinking
first of me, you can be sure That Other has not yet arrived."

"But I shall always think first of you," he declared, catching at her
hands. "There's no one like you. There never will be."

"No--not like, but different--in clearness and nearness. Love is one big
impulse, but many forms. Like white light made from many colours. No
rival for me, That Other; but daughter-in-law--best gift a son can bring
to his father's house. Just now there is room inside you only for one
big thing--India."

"And you----"

"But I am India."

"Sublimated essence of it, according to Jeffers."

"Jeffers says many foolish things!" But she did not disguise her
pleasure.

"I've noticed occasional flashes of wisdom!--But, I say, Motherling,
what price tea?"

"Tea?" She feigned exaggerated surprise. "I thought you were much too
far in the clouds!"

"On the contrary. I'm simply famished!"

And forthwith he fell upon a plate of sugar cakes; while she rang for
the fresh teapot, so often in requisition for 'Mr Roy.'

CHAPTER VIII.

"Comfort, content, delight, the ages' slow-bought gain,
They shrivelled in a night. Only ourselves remain
To face the naked days in silent fortitude.
Through perils and dismays renewed and re-renewed."
--KIPLING.

Nevil was up in town on business; not returning till next day. The
papers were seething with rumours; but the majority of everyday people,
immersed in their all-important affairs, continued cheerfully to hope
against hope. Sir Nevil Sinclair was not of these; but he kept his worst
qualms to himself. Neither his wife nor his son were keen newspaper
readers; which, in his opinion, was just as well.

Certainly it did not occur to Lilamani that any trouble in Europe could
invade the sanctities of her home, or affect the shining destiny of Roy.
That he was destined to shine, her mother's heart knew beyond all doubt.
And round that knowledge, like an aura, glimmered a dreamlike hope that
perhaps his shining might some day, in some way