rouble seems to make us more like each other. Of course we are
not more like, but we all somehow take the same tone, and seem to have
given up our own particular ways and fancies.

"Now the men don't seem like that. Mr. Hunter, for example, whom I used
to think an even tempered and easygoing sort of man, has become fidgety
and querulous. The Major is even more genial and kind than usual. The
Doctor snaps and snarls at everyone and everything. Anyone listening
to my husband would say that he was in the wildest spirits. Rintoul is
quieter than usual, and the two lads have grown older and nicer; I don't
say they are less full of fun than they were, especially Wilson, but
they are less boyish in their fun, and they are nice with everyone,
instead of devoting themselves to two or three of us, you principally.
Perhaps Richards is the most changed; he thinks less of his collars and
ties and the polish of his boots than he used to do, and one sees
that he has some ideas in his head besides those about horses. Captain
Forster is, perhaps, least changed, but of that you can judge better
than I can, for you see more of him. As to Mr. Bathurst, I can say
nothing, for we never see him now. I think he is the only man in the
station who goes about his work as usual; he starts away the first thing
in the morning, and comes back late in the evening, and I suppose spends
the night in writing reports, though what is the use of writing reports
at the present time I don't know. Mr. Hunter was saying last night it
was very foolish of him. What with disbanded soldiers, and what with
parties of mutineers, it is most dangerous for any European to stir
outside the station."

"Uncle was saying the same," Isobel said quietly.

"Well, here we separate. Of course you will be in as usual this
evening?" for the Major's house was the general rendezvous after dinner.

Isobel had her private troubles, although, as she often said angrily
to herself, when she thought of them, what did it matter now? She was
discontented with herself for having spoken as strongly as she did as
to the man's cowardice. She was very discontented with the Doctor
for having repeated it. She was angry with Bathurst for staying away
altogether, although willing to admit that, after he knew what she had
said, it was impossible that he should meet her as before. Most of all,
perhaps, she was angry because, at a time when their lives were all in
deadly peril, she should allow the