There was no answer beyond another kiss upon her hand and a profound sigh.
In the very early dawn Honor awoke, and sat up and looked about her eagerly. The other charpoy was bare and empty. She jumped out of bed, and nearly upset her ayah, entering behind the door chick, with her early morning tea.
“Where is the other lady?” she asked excitedly.
“Oh, that Persian woman, she went when it was as yet dark. Behold her on her journey.”
And she pointed to a narrow road at the other side of the valley, up which a dandy with bearers was rapidly passing out of sight.
After this experience, Honor felt that she had suddenly become years older. She looked unusually pale and grave as she joined the Brandes at breakfast.
“Well, dear, and how did you get on?” asked her aunt. “Did she smoke a huka all night?”
“No, auntie.”
“Was she very dark and fat, and did she chew betel nut?”