"Unless the new daughter creates a revolution in the family," suggested Salwey.
"On the contrary, the family will alter her. You say," looking at his wife, "that she is fair."
"Yes, entirely a Chandos, and an aristocrat—a pure English girl."
"No—no—nature takes care of that! She has her mother's blood in her veins, her mother's example to drag her under; it will be a mere question of—weeks."
"No, not in this case, Tom," rejoined his wife with brisk decision.
"Why not? My impression, after many years of life in India, is, the fairer a Eurasian the darker their disposition. The duskier their complexion, the whiter their hearts. For instance, compare Dominga to Mrs. Cavalho; now she is a good woman, and a true lady."
"Pray, why should you be so prejudiced against this new Miss Chandos, Tom? You have not even seen her; she will be a success—of that I am convinced."
"Nothing bearing that name has ever come in the way of poor Chandos, nothing but bad luck; he seems to be under the influence of an evil star."
"Scorpio!" suggested his nephew, "in other words, his wife."
"He is a capital sub-manager," resumed Mr. Lepell, "punctual and orderly; has wonderful command over the employees; is a fine disciplinarian, and speaks the language like a native. Latterly, his health is bad."