returned to
my conviction that the Rajah is a first rate fellow."

"That is just because he offered you some shooting, Doctor," Isobel said
indignantly. "I thought better of you than to suppose that you could be
bought over so easily as that."

"She had you there, Doctor," the Major laughed. "However, I am glad that
you will no longer be backing her in her fancies."

"Why did you accept his invitation for us to go over and lunch there,
uncle?" Isobel asked, in a tone of annoyance.

"Because there was no reason in the world why we should refuse, my dear.
He very often has luncheon parties, and after that he will show you over
the place, and exhibit his jewels and curiosities. He said there would
be other ladies there, and I have no doubt we shall have a very pleasant
day."

Even Isobel was obliged to confess that the visit was a pleasant one.
The Nana had asked Mrs. Cromarty, her daughters, and most of the other
ladies of the regiment, with their husbands. The lunch was a banquet,
and after it was over the parties were taken round the place, paid a
visit to the Zenana, inspected the gardens and stables, and were driven
through the park. The Nana saw that Isobel objected to be particularly
noticed, and had the tact to make his attentions so general that even
she could find no fault with him.

On the drive back she admitted to her uncle that she had enjoyed her
visit very much, and that the Rajah's manners were those of a perfect
gentleman.

"But mind, uncle," she said, "I do not retract my opinion. What the
Rajah really is I don't pretend to know, but I am quite sure that the
character of a smiling host is not his real one, and that for some
reason or other he is simply playing a part."

"I had no idea that you were such a prejudiced little woman," the Major
said, somewhat vexed; "but as it is no use arguing with you we had
better drop the subject."

For the next month Cawnpore suffered a little from the reaction
after the gayety of the races, but there was no lack of topics of
conversation, for the rumors of disaffection among the troops gained in
strength, and although nothing positive was known, and everyone scoffed
at the notion of any serious trouble, the subject was so important a
one that little else was talked of whenever parties of the ladies got
together.

CHAPTER VIII.

"I have some bad news, Isobel. At least I suppose you will consider it
bad news," the Major said one morning, when he retu