The sound of a footfall caused her to look up. Some one had entered the compound from the street, and was approaching at a rapid pace. A few seconds later, the tattie was lifted, and the gaunt face and form of Luchman stepped upon the veranda, and respectfully saluted them all.
"Have you just arrived?" asked Marian.
"I have not tarried, Miss sahib, an hour by the way. I came straight from the gates to your house."
"But where is he—Dr. Avery?"
"I have a letter from him to you," answered the native, groping with his fingers among the folds of his turban.
"Jalde! jalde!" (Quick! quick!) exclaimed the lady, impatient at the deliberation of Luchman; "tell me—has anything happened to him?"
"No; but, Miss sahib, here is his letter."
Her hands trembled as she took it, and she did not catch the flash of the diamond, when its envelope was disturbed by the fingers of the native, who instantly replaced it.
Mr. Hildreth roused from the long cane settee on which he was stretched and looked inquiringly at his daughter. He had overheard the conversation between Marian and Luchman, and he spoke to her, after waiting until she had time to finish the letter:
"What does he say for himself? Why did he not come with Luchman instead of sending him forward alone?"