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
matter to dwell in her mind a single moment.
Late one afternoon Bathurst walked into the Major's bungalow just
as he was about to sit down to dinner.
"Major, I want to speak to you for a moment," he said.
"Sit down and have some dinner, Bathurst. You have become altogether
a stranger."
"Thank you, Major, but I have a great deal to do. Can you spare me
five minutes now? It is of importance."
Isobel rose to leave the room.
"There is no reason you should not hear, Miss Hannay, but it would
be better that none of the servants should be present.
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