ld, faithful and devoted
to your interests," he added.

"That I am very sure you will be," said Reginald. "But, charming as my
sister is, I suspect her education is not quite up to what a young
English lady's should be. We must get her better instructed in certain
female accomplishments. I contemplate asking Colonel Ross to allow her
to reside with his daughter in the cantonments, where she cannot fail to
benefit by Violet's example, and such instruction as she is able to
impart. I wish that the colonel would get over his visit of state, that
I might return it, and have the opportunity of seeing Violet, when I
would broach the subject. It is tantalising to have her so near, and
yet not to be able to go and see her."

Burnett thought Reginald's plan a very good one, and was sure that Nuna
would be delighted with it.

So occupied had Reginald been since the death of the rajah, that he had
been unable to write to Colonel Ross, who might possibly be still
ignorant of who he was. For the same reason he had not as yet written
to Violet. Managing at length to withdraw himself for a short interval
from the crowd of courtiers and nobles who had arrived to pay their
respects--of suppliants who came with petitions or complaints--and of
officers of various grades who waited to receive orders--he had retired
to the only room in which he could enjoy that privacy which he so much
required. Near it was one occupied by Burnett; and on the other side
was a chamber which he intended for the use of any European guest who
might visit the palace.

He quickly wrote the letter to Colonel Ross, telling him of the
wonderful change in his circumstances. He assured him that he now
possessed the documents of which he had been in search, and which
enabled him to claim a handsome estate and title in England; and he
expressed a hope that Colonel Ross would not refuse to allow him to look
forward to the possession of his daughter's hand. It was, it must be
stated, a very humble and moderate letter, considering the position the
writer enjoyed.

He then began one to Violet, giving a brief account of all his
adventures; assuring her that his love was unaltered, that the splendour
of his court had no attractions for him, and that he would abandon it as
soon as he had performed his duty to the people by placing them under
the English Government, and return with her to her native land. He had
still much more to say--indeed, he was not altoge