ther is a Rajah,
immensely rich, and a direct descendant of that ancient Mogul
dynasty which once ruled this country with a rod of iron. The Rajah
has daughters innumerable, but only this one son. His gratitude for
what I had done was unbounded. A few weeks ago he gave me a most
astounding proof of it. By a secret and trusty messenger he sent
me--But no, dear mum, I will not tell you what the Rajah sent me.
This letter might chance to fall into other hands than yours
(Indian letters do _sometimes_ miscarry), and the secret is one
which had better be kept in the family--at least for the present.
So, mother mine, your curiosity must rest unsatisfied for a little
while to come. I hope to be with you before many months are over,
and then you shall know everything.

"The value of the Rajah's present is something immense. I shall
sell it when I get to England, and out of the proceeds I
shall--well, I don't exactly know what I shall do. Purchase my
next step for one thing, but that will cost a mere trifle. Then,
perhaps, buy a comfortable estate in the country, or a house in
Park Lane. Your six weeks every season in London lodgings was
always inexplicable to me.

"Or shall I not sell the Rajah's present, but offer myself in
marriage to some fair princess, with my heart in one hand and the
G.H.D. in the other? Madder things than that are recorded in
history. In any case, don't forget to pray for the safe arrival of
your son, and (if such a petition is allowable) that he may not
fail to bring with him the G.H.D.

"C.C."

"I never could understand before to-day what the letters G.H.D. were
meant for," said Lady Chillington, as Janet gave her back the letter.
"It is now quite evident that they were intended for _Great Hara
Diamond_; all of which, as I said before, is confirmatory of the story
you have just told me. Of course, after the lapse of so many years,
there is not the remotest possibility of recovering the diamond; but my
obligation to you, Sergeant Nicholas, is in no wise lessened by that
fact. What are your engagements? Are you obliged to leave here
immediately, or can you remain a short time in the neighbourhood?"

"I can give your ladyship a week, or even a fortnight, if you wish it."

"I am greatly obliged to you. I do wish it--I wish