she had never had a sisterly word. To go out to India to see the
wonders she had read of, and to be her uncle's companion, seemed
a perfectly delightful prospect. Her answer to her uncle was sent
off the day after she received his letter, and that day month she
stepped on board an Indiaman in the London Docks.

The intervening time had not been a pleasant one. Mrs. Hannay had
heard from the Major of his wishes and intentions regarding Isobel,
and she was greatly displeased thereat.

"Why should he have chosen you instead of Helena?" she said angrily
to Isobel, on the first day of her arrival home.

"I suppose because he thought I should suit him better, mamma. I
really don't see why you should be upset about it; I don't suppose
Helena would have liked to go, and I am sure you would not have
liked to have had me with you instead of her. I should have thought
you would have been pleased I was off your hands altogether. It
doesn't seem to me that you have ever been really glad to have me
about you."

"That has been entirely your own fault," Mrs. Hannay said. "You
have always been headstrong and determined to go your own way, you
have never been fit to be seen when anyone came, you have thwarted
me in every way."

"I am very sorry, mamma. I think I might have been better if you
had had a little more patience with me, but even now if you really
wish me to stay at home I will do so. I can write again to uncle
and tell him that I have changed my mind."