“Oh, rather nice. She knows the Tavistocks—Indian people, you know. I was at the Pindi with them.” Ally’s interest in people was usually founded on mutual acquaintances.
“I thought she looked Army, herself. Who is she?”
“A Mrs. Churton. Her husband is senior Major of the Wessex and O.C.T. here. She is rather a smart woman, I thought.” This was Ally’s praise.
“But does she put all her goods in the shop windows, so to speak? There are people like that.”
“Well, her hair was all right, wasn’t it? And she knows every one here.”
“Ah!” said Chum thoughtfully, letting down the masses of her own irreclaimable hair, which objected to being smart either in colour or fashion. “Then I hope she will come to call soon.”
“How did you get on? And what did you think of Bristles?”
“I don’t think of Bristles. But on the whole I didn’t do badly. I was offered ten ponies to ride, three men are coming to call on me with their wives (not only sending their wives to call—it’s a broader compliment), and the Commissioner is selecting all the rogues and vagabonds in the island for my servants!”
“The Commissioner! I thought it was the Administrator you were going to annex.”
“I am feeling round at present. If I see that he is the right man to advance our fortunes, Ally, nothing can save him!”