"Charmed to make her acquaintance."
Verona resented his air of free and easy patronage, and met the stranger's full, bold gaze, with a pair of cold, unchanging eyes.
There was a chilling pause, during which the little officer quickly summed up the new "Spin"; her grand manner, dainty linen costume, expensive travelling case and ruffled wrap.
As the result of this inspection he turned abruptly to Mr. Chandos and exclaimed:
"I say! I'd no idea you'd been married before!"
Whatever reply was forthcoming it proved unintelligible, for Mr. Chandos was searching and fumbling in his pockets, and there was a hint of colour in his worn face as he turned to the waiter and said:
"I've no money with me. I'll settle with you next time I'm in—you know who I am!"
"How much is it? I'll make it all right," volunteered Major Gale.
"One rupee, Saar," said the turbanned kritmetgar.
Here Verona interposed, authoritatively: