Playing with Fire: A Story of the Soudan War

by James Grant

'Not at all from your point of view,' replied Hester, a little wearily. 'The diamond and opal suite, to be the gift of the bridegroom's brother-officers, has reference, I suppose——'

'To Roland, of course.'

'Poor Roland!' said Hester, with a genuine sigh.

'Why do you adopt that tone in regard to him?' asked Annot, her eyes of bright hazel green dilating with surprise.

'For reasons of which, I fear, you know nothing,' replied Hester, unable to repress a growing repugnance for the questioner.

'But I surely must know them in time?'

'Perhaps.'

'There is no "perhaps" in the matter,' said Annot pettishly; 'what do you mean, Hester—speak?'

'Is it possible,' said the other with extreme reluctance, 'that you have never heard of the terms of his father's will?'

'Scotch-like, you reply to one question by another. Well, what will?'