'Oh, I don't know. It isn't such a bad place. I was brought out
there to marry, and I married. I've found it very satisfactory.'

'You always did say exactly what you thought, Helena,' said Mrs.
Morgan excusingly.

'I haven't much patience with people who bring their daughters out
to give them the chance they never would have in England, and then
go about devoutly hoping they won't marry in India,' I said. 'I
shall be very pleased if Cecily does as well as your girls have
done.'

'Mary in the Indian Civil and Jessie in the Imperial Service
Troops,' sighed Mrs. Morgan complacently. 'And both, my dear,
within a year. It WAS a blow.'

'Oh, it must have been!' I said civilly.

There was no use in bandying words with Emily Morgan.

'There is nothing in the world like the satisfaction and pleasure
one takes in one's daughters,' Mrs. Morgan went on limpidly. 'And
one can be in such CLOSE sympathy with one's girls. I have never
regretted having no sons.'

'Dear me, yes. To watch oneself growing up again--call back the
lovely April of one's prime, etcetera--to read every thought and
anticipate every wish--there is no more golden privilege in life,
dear Emily. Such a direct and natural avenue for affection, such a