"
"That is of no consequence at all, Mrs. Hunter; I am so thankful
at being here with you, that I should mind very little if I knew
that it was always to be as bad as it is now. What does it matter?"
"It does not matter at all at present, my dear; but if you ever
get out of this horrible place, some day you may think differently
about it."
"I must go now," Rabda said. "Has the lady any message to send to
the sahib?" and she again handed a paper and pencil to Isobel.
The girl took them, hesitating a little before writing:
"Thank God you have saved me. Some day, perhaps, I may be able to
tell you how grateful I am; but, if not, you will know that if the
worst happens to us, I shall die blessing you for what you have
done for me. Pray do not linger longer in Cawnpore. You may be
discovered, and if I am spared, it would embitter my life always
to know that it had cost you yours. God bless you always.
"Yours gratefully,
"Isobel."
She folded up the paper and gave it to Rabda, who took her hand and
kissed it; and then, drawing her veil again over her face, went to
the door, which stood open for the moment.
Some men were bringing in a large cauldron of rice. The sentries
offered no opposition to her passing out, as the officer with the
palanquin had told them that a lady of the Rajah's zenana would
leave shortly. A similar message had been given to the officer at
the main gate, who, however, requested to see her hand and arm to
satisfy him that all was right.
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