As she expected, he and Bathurst were away, for she had arranged to meet them at eight o'clock in the garden. They did not return until eleven, having waited two hours for her, and returning home in much anxiety at her non-appearance.
“What has happened? Why did you not meet us, Rabda?” her father exclaimed, as he entered.
Rabda rapidly repeated the incidents that had happened since she had parted from him the evening before, and handed to Bathurst the two notes she had received from Isobel.
“Then she is in safety with the others!” he exclaimed in delight. “Thank God for that, and thank you, Rabda, indeed, for what you have done.”
“My life is my lord's,” the girl said quietly. “What I have done is nothing.”
“If we had but known, Rujub, that she would be moved at once, we might have rescued her on the way.”
Rujub shook his head.
“There are far too many people along the road, sahib; it could not have been done. But, of course, there was no knowing that she would be sent off directly after the Nana had seen her.”
“Is she much disfigured, Rabda?” Bathurst asked.
“Dreadfully;” the girl said sorrowfully. “The acid must have been too strong.”