She returned the beads to the merchant, who took no pains to hide his displeasure at Trent's interposition.
"I'm really glad you appeared—for a purely selfish reason. I want to buy some things to send home, and I know if I go alone I'll be cheated outrageously. I wonder if you'd care to go with me? However, I suppose that, man-like, you detest shopping with a woman."
"I don't object at all," he said.
"And you really haven't any business engagements?"
"I'm free until to-morrow."
"Oh, you're leaving Calcutta then?"
"Yes."
"So am I"—with a smile.
She raised a silk parasol of pongee-color as they left the hotel, and the sun reflected a rich glow through the fine texture.
"You see," she explained, "I taught music at Bayou Latouche and I promised my pupils I'd send them each a remembrance from India."