and am ordered to Europe at any time on sick leave, I can live
comfortably for that time; but, beyond that, there has been no
reason why I should lay by. I am not likely ever to marry, and when
I have served my full time my pension will be ample for my wants
in England; but I shall do my best to help if help is necessary.
Fortunately the interest of the thousand apiece the girls were
left by my aunt will help your income. When it is necessary to do
anything for Robert, poor lad, I will take that expense on myself."

"I thought all Indians came home with lots of money," Mrs. Hannay
said complainingly.

"Not the military. We do the fighting, and get fairly paid for
it. The civilians get five times as highly paid, and run no risks
whatever. Why it should be so no one has ever attempted to explain;
but there it is, sister."

Mrs. Hannay, therefore, although she complained of the partiality
shown to Isobel, was well aware that the Major's savings could
amount to no very great sum; although, in nine years, with higher
rank and better pay, he might have added a good bit to the little
store of which he had spoken to her.

When, a week before the vessel sailed, Dr. Wade appeared with a
letter he had received from the Major, asking him to take charge
of Isobel on the voyage, Mrs. Hannay conceived a violent objection
to him. He had, in fact, been by no means pleased with the commission,
and had arrived in an unusually aggressive and snappish humor.
He cut short Mrs. Hannay's well turned sentences ruthlessly, and
aggrieved her by remarking on Helena's want of color, and recommending