nd when
contrasted with the dark-skinned and coarse-visaged Basutos, he seemed
like a being from some higher sphere. On the other hand, Ella's rare
grace and beauty, her exquisite simplicity and frankness, were the
qualities most likely to captivate a youth of Ernest's imaginative
temperament; and the wild freedom of the life, by which they were
surrounded, only added to the charm. But though he was conscious of the
fascination, which was daily growing stronger, Warley felt perplexed and
uncomfortable. He could not turn hunter, and live all his life in these
remote solitudes. But to take Ella with him, to England or elsewhere,
as his wife, was wholly impracticable, so far as he could see. How
could he maintain her? How induce others to receive her? What would
his friends say to such an alliance? or indeed to his forming any
alliance at all? The life which had been arranged for him--that of a
clerk in a house at Calcutta--it seemed impossible that Ella could share
that. The idea of marrying Ella was, in fact, little better than a wild
dream.

On the other hand, if Ella was not to be his wife, he ought not to
remain in the Basuto village. There could be no doubt that they were
getting to like one another--to speak the plain truth, they were both
already deeply in love Ella did not think it necessary to disguise her
feelings, as an English girl would have done; and though she was modest
and maidenly, showed her preference plainly enough. Every day of their
mutual intercourse did but deepen the feeling. If it was to end in
nothing, he ought to go away at once.

But how was he to go away? It was true that Frank and Nick had long
been anxious to set out on a journey to Cape Town, and he might go with
them. De Walden, of course, would remain with Queen Laura, and
prosecute his missionary work. He would be sorry to lose Warley no
doubt, and so probably would Queen Laura; but neither would in all
likelihood interpose any serious obstacle. There were, however, what
seemed insuperable objections.

In the first place, they were bound to await Lavie's return. Queen
Laura had despatched a messenger to Chuma, with a friendly message soon
after their arrival in her dominions, and had entreated him to send to
her any tidings that might be received from the white men. A favourable
answer had been brought back from the Bechuana chief. The rainmaker had
been killed, and as soon as he was dead, the truth as to the orig