In the meantime she enjoyed walking about with Captain Haig. As she glanced at his handsome, animated face, she seemed to see the background of Homburg—the crowds, the bouquets, and to feel the impression of a past sensation.
Here, indeed, in a humble way, her presence was creating a stir, "the other Miss Chandos," as she was now called, being so rarely seen; she was handsome, and graceful, and carried herself well—"as did most Eurasians," whispered onlookers.
In a distant station, no doubt, she would be considered a beauty; apparently she had picked up some young man she had known at home; he seemed very much épris. Well! her conquest would be but short-lived—he had but to see her people!
"Of course, your regiment is still out here?" remarked the lady to her escort.
"Yes—in a bad station—where there is no sport—we can't even manœuvre guns, the ground is all cotton soil—this is a jolly little place, I wish they'd send us here—capital duck and snipe shooting."
"Is that a sufficient reason to move troops?" she inquired.
"No—not at all—only it keeps the mess from grumbling—and the men out of the bazaar. But," with a sudden change of tone, "I want to hear more about you, Miss Chandos. How have you spent the last eighteen months?"
"I was in England till August. I have been here ever since."
"But you will soon be getting under way for the hills. I wonder what station you will select?"
"None at all—we remain down in Manora."