He is an important personage, and if there is
any truth in these rumors about disaffection among the Sepoys his
friendship may be of the greatest assistance to us."
So the Doctor was with Major Hannay when the latter made his excuses
for Isobel's absence on the ground that she was not feeling very
well.
The Nana expressed great regret at the news, and said that with the
Major's permission he would call in the morning to inquire after
Miss Hannay's health.
"He did not like it," the Doctor said, when they had strolled away
together. "He was very civil and polite, but I could see that he
was savage. I fancy he got up this fete principally in her honor.
It is not often he has two so close together."
"Oh, that is nonsense, Doctor."
"I don't think so. He has done the same sort of thing several times
before, when he has been specially taken by some fresh face from
England."
Others besides the Doctor remarked that the Rajah was not quite
himself that evening. He was courteous and polite to his guests, but
he was irritable with his own people, and something had evidently
gone wrong with him.
The next day he called at the Major's. The latter had not told
Isobel of his intention, for he guessed that had he done so she
would have gone across to Mrs. Doolan or one of her lady friends,
and she was sitting in the veranda with him and young Wilson when
the carriage drove up.
"I was so sorry to hear that you were unwell, Miss Hannay," the
Nana said courteously.
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