"And what takes you to Rangoon?"

"A post in a big mercantile house. I've to thank Mr. Tremenheere: I owe
it to his interest--it's a splendid chance for me."

"Well, I'm sure you deserve it, my dear boy, if ever anyone did. You
don't ask why I am on the high seas. I am en route, to Mandalay--Ella is
there. After I've paid her a visit, I'm going on to India, to stay with
your old friend Geoffrey. He and you are about the same age, are you
not?"

"Yes; where is he now?"

"He is in the White Hussars at Lucknow--he was at Sandhurst with you,
wasn't he?"

Shafto nodded, and the lady continued:

"I'm bringing out a girl, such a darling!--She's down unpacking in our
cabin; a dear child. Her mother is an old friend of mine; her father was
rector of our parish. I drop her in Rangoon."

"Oh, do you?"

"Her name is Sophy Leigh, and she is going out to stay with an aunt, who
is something of an invalid. Her husband is in business, a German--said
to be rolling in money."

"That sounds all right."