"Oh, I wish to God I'd never seen her at all!" he groaned.
"She is handsome, not to speak of being a good girl—and a lady. I'm sorry I cannot say the same for her sister Dominga. I sincerely pity Miss Verona—the shock you are struggling under is nothing to the shock she received when she came out—and beheld her parents."
"Then, she never knew!"
"Never—if she had known, do you suppose she would have left England? Cheer up, old man! you'll get over it—we all do."
"Bosh! you've never had anything to get over—but the measles. I'll never get over this as long as I live. She tells me that Madame de Godez left her nothing at all."
"No, her face is her fortune—her family are her misfortune," rejoined Salwey, and here he was imperatively claimed by another acquaintance.
As far as the Chandos family were concerned, the Rajahpore races had proved a brilliant success. Pussy had been supremely happy, for Alonzo was present, and they had enjoyed a good deal of chattering and giggling together (as well as a large packet of conversation lozenges), and thrice had sallied out arm in arm to the tent, to partake of such refreshments as lemonade and cake.
Dominga had attracted a certain amount of flattering attention and won several bets. Her mother's eyes had followed her with triumph, as in a long green dress and carrying a white parasol she trailed up and down the paddock, in company with Mr. Young and Major Gale, D.S.O.; but she lost sight of her darling during the hour when she sat behind a screen in the refreshment tent—whispering with Jimmy Fielder.
Dominga and Jimmy were more than the mere acquaintance they appeared to be.
The Station had listened to their occasional chaffing and sparring, had seen them playing tennis, but never supposed—or suspected—that the Honourable Jimmy cast a second thought to the diverting and dashing Dominga. Poor little Baby Charles was her slave; but as soon as the regiment moved he would cast off her shackles, and no harm would be done! Deluded Station! Baby Charles was merely the stalking-horse—behind this harmless and acknowledged "friendship" Dominga and her new admirer screened a real love affair. In public they rarely addressed one another, but they made ample amends for this abstinence on other occasions. Oh, worthy Mrs. Grundy was being cruelly deceived!