"I have no doubt of it," Meredith grumbled, "but you'll send for me, won't you, if anything's wrong?"
"Most assuredly," was the reply. And the Magistrate took his seat at the camp table under a leafy mango tree, and was soon immersed in his duties to the State. Natives of all castes and creeds thronged the grass beyond the precincts of the court, and a hoarse murmur of voices soon filled the air, above which was constantly heard that of the crier naming a witness, or calling up a case.
When the ayah brought Captain Dalton the news that her mistress was showing signs of waking, he poured out and took her a cup of tea, himself, and asked how she felt. "Not very bright, I can see," he remarked, placing his fingers on her pulse.
"Have I slept long?" she asked drowsily.
"Five hours."
"But Baby?" she cried out in alarm, sitting up in bed, giddy and confused.
"Baby's all right. Temperature normal, and sleeping like a cherub," he returned pressing her back on her pillows.
"Oh, Doctor, is that true?"
"You may think me a liar, if you like, but it isn't polite to call me one to my face," he said with a crooked, grudging smile.
"Oh, how am I to thank you!" tears suffused her eyes as she seized his hand and carried it impulsively to her lips. "You have no idea of the relief you have brought me!"