"Tell me, what sort of a girl is this Nadine Johnstone," the wanderer
said, by way of a diversion.

"I can't tell you! Only old General Willoughby has pierced the veil.
Of course, Johnstone could not refuse a visit from the Commander of
Her Majesty's forces. In fact, Harry Hardwicke, of the Engineers,
accompanied Willoughby. The old chief treats Hardwicke as a son
since he bore the body of the dear old fellow's son out of fire in
the Khyber Pass, and won a promotion and the V. C. Harry says the
girl is a modern Noor-Mahal! But, she is as speechless and timid
as a startled fawn! Now, Major, you will excuse me. I have to leave
you!" There was a fretful haste in the passionate boy's manner.
The hour was already near midnight.

"Shall I not see you to-morrow?" politely resumed Hawke. "You will
not spend your whole morning with the stern damsel in spectacles
and steel-like armor of indurated poplin?"

"Do you know I'm afraid I shall miss you," earnestly said the aide.
"Hugh Johnstone wishes me to urge Mademoiselle Euphrosyne to allow
her sister to remain in India, in charge of the Rose of Delhi until
the old eccentric returns. Of course, the girl left alone would
be an easy prey to every fortune hunter in India, should anything
happen!" There was a ferocious, wild gleam in Alan Hawke's eyes
as the aide grasped his hat and stick. "I wish to probe the family
records and find out what I can of the 'distaff side of the line,'
as Mr. Guy Livingstone would say. I have some really valuable
presents, and I am on honor to the Viceroy in this, for, of course,
a baronetcy must not be given into sullied hands. Johnstone will