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e of a blank when she came home, though she would not allow it, and stoutly defended her Captain's right of going where and when he pleased without notice. She had to fight his battles, till late in the evening he walked in. 'Here we are! It is later than I expected.'
'Where's Lance?'
'He came in with me. Gone to his room, then.--Here, Geraldine, this little gentleman requests the honour of your leaning on him.'
'Oh, what a beauty! What a dear little ivory monster! Turbaned head, serpent's tail, and such a fascinating face!'
'Is the cane the right length! I measured yours.'
'You don't mean that he is for me! So smooth and so steady! Where does he come from?'
'From Benares--I bought him at the great fair; and from the moment I saw you, it was plain that in the eternal fitness of things he was destined to you.'
'To make a Pagan of her,' said Felix. 'See her worshipping her little idol!'
'Not my idol, but my prop and companion for life.'
'Your Lord Gerald, laughed Felix, as she walked triumphantly round the room, perhaps her first unnecessary promenade since she was seven years old.
'This is just the time I didn't expect you,' said Wilmet; 'is the seven o'clock train put on again?'
'We didn't come by the train.' And Felix and Cherry smiled at one another as they detected that Wilmet's economical soul was vexed. 'I wanted Lance to see his doctor again, and the railway seems so bad for his head that I drove.'
'How very kind!' exclaimed Wilmet.
'I am afraid I have not managed it well. I would not make an appointment, lest it should be a glaring day; so Manby was out, and we could only leave a message before going to the precincts. Lance was in wild spirits, and the boys gave him such an uproarious welcome, that old Canon Burley sent in to know what was the matter, and was told it was only little Underwood come back. He dined with us, but I am afraid I was off guard, for I never thought of his going and taking a place