stors. Many of these came into the regiment not to save but to spend
money, and it was surprising to the calculating natives the enormous
sums they managed to get through during their short stay at any of the
large towns or stations where Europeans do most congregate.

The stream of fashionable life was now at its height, now in full force
when Lady Chutny's magnificent bungalow was thrown open for receptions;
and it was not long before the fame of her ladyship's fetes and
assemblies spread far and wide. Sir Lexicon was known to be exceedingly
wealthy, and it will be remembered that Mrs. Fraudhurst, on quitting
England, had drawn out of the bank her capital of ten thousand rounds.
This sum, together with a large amount given her by the planter for the
express purpose of giving entertainments in town, had been paid into the
bank of Madras, in Lady Chutny's name. The sum was actually only one lae
and a half of rupees, but dame rumour, with her hundred tongues, had
quadrupled it.

The season was now at its height, and her ladyship had issued cards for
an entertainment that was to exceed anything before attempted in Madras
The spacious verandahs to the right, left and rear of the bungalow were
converted into lounging halls, half drawing-room, half conservatory,
while the compound and gardens were brilliantly illuminated with
countless colored lamps and lanterns. Hundreds presented themselves for
admission to the fairy-like scene, and it was allowed by all to be a
perfect success, a gem of the first water of entertainments, and such,
as many of the guests had seldom witnessed. Her ladyship, elegantly
attired, and flushed with pride and pleasure at the triumph she was
achieving moved gracefully about from one room to another attending to
the comfort and convenience of her visitors. In passing along one of the
improvised conservatories, the figure of a cavalry officer attracted
her attention. His features were screened from her view by the leaves of
a magnificent orange tree, but there was something in his general
outline, as he stood leaning indolently against the trellis work
chatting with a drawl, real or affected, to a little lady seated, or
rather reclining on a low ottoman close by, something that caused her to
start as if the gallant officer was not altogether unknown to her, but
her memory would not at the moment serve her, yet a feeling of mistrust,
a sort of almost indescribable sensation of disquietude came over her