l he was actually explaining his
conduct that he realised that he should have obtained his permission
before inviting Violet to come, for Major Hunt, as Commandant of the
Station, had the power to forbid her residing in or even entering it.

The senior officer listened in silence. When the subaltern had finished
he said:

"I've known about this matter since you came, Wargrave. Your Colonel
wrote me--as your new C.O.--what I considered an unnecessary and unfair
letter giving me the reason of your being sent here. But Hepburn, whom
I know slightly, discovered I was here and also wrote explaining matters
more fully and, I think, more justly."

The subaltern looked at him in surprise; but his face brightened at the
knowledge of his former commander's kindness.

"Now, Wargrave, we've got on very well together so far, you and I. I
have always been satisfied with your work, and was glad to help you by
agreeing to Colonel Dermot's application for you. I believe that you
will make a good political officer, otherwise I wouldn't have done
so--even though I'm your debtor for saving me from that snake----."

"Oh, Major, that was nothing," broke in the subaltern. "Anyone would
have done it."

"Yes, I know. But it happened that you were the anyone. Now, I'm going
to talk to you as your friend and not as your commanding officer.
Frankly, I am very sorry for what you have just told me. I was hoping
that Time and separation were curing you--and the lady--of your folly.
Believe me, only unhappiness and misery can come to you both from it."

"Perhaps so, sir; but I'm bound in honour."

The older man shook his head sadly.

"Is honour the word for it? I'll make a confession to you, Wargrave. You
consider me a bachelor. Well, I'm not married now; but I was. When I was
a young subaltern I was thrown much with a married woman older than
myself. I was flattered that she should take any notice of me, for she
was handsome and popular with men, while I was a shy, awkward boy. She
said she was 'being a mother' to me--you know what a married woman
'mothering' boys leads to in India. She used to tell me how
misunderstood she was, neglected, mated to a clown and all that." (Frank
grew red at certain memories.) "Women have a regular formula when
they're looking for sympathy they've no right to. I pitied her. I felt
that her husband ought to be shot. Looking back now I see that he was
just the ordinary, easy-going, indifferent individual that m