Brian Salwey had a pair of steady grey eyes, his features were finely cut, and their expression intelligent; his face was tanned to almost the same shade as his curly locks, his mouth was firm, and his age was thirty. Originally he was intended for the Army, but the idea had been relinquished, and he thought himself exceedingly fortunate to procure a nomination in the Indian police. The billet fitted him like a glove, his profession interested him profoundly; like some young police officers he was an enthusiast, and was one of those men who, putting his hand to the plough, never looks back. Salwey was poor, but well-educated, well born, but without social influence.
Being considered a most able officer by the heads of his department, he was naturally dispatched to quite the worst circle in the district. Here he was extravagant in horseflesh and books; and Bazaar report declared him to be in love with the Lal Billi (Red Cat); in other words, Dominga Chandos. The fourth individual in the verandah was the little officer to whom Verona had been introduced in Rajahpore station refreshment room.
"The Chandos' are all lit up, and having a grand party," remarked Mr. Lepell. "There was a gharry at the door just now. Out here, we live in our neighbours' pockets, you see."
"I saw such a tragedy there to-day," observed his wife, sitting up and leaning forward, "something that haunts me; a lovely girl"—here she paused and sighed.
"I've not the slightest objection to her haunting me," cried Major Gale, with a snigger. "Pray go on."
"I called on the Chandos family, or rather on the daughter from England."
"Oh, by-the-way, yes," interrupted Major Gale, with sudden animation, "I saw her yesterday at the station with the old boy. He looked as if he did not know what on earth to do with her! She is uncommonly handsome, the profile of a cameo, the air of a duchess, and the pride—may I say—of the devil."
"Oh, poor girl," exclaimed Mrs. Lepell, with a little fluttering sigh, "she had not seen her relations then."
"No, I assume not," assented Major Gale, as he tossed away the end of a cigarette. "I give you my word, she is as white as you are, Mrs. Lepell."
"That is no compliment, for she has a beautiful complexion," was her generous reply, "and I have been twenty years grizzling in India."