He made his way to the dining-room and lit one of the candles in the candelabra which stood on the table. He went to the sideboard and poured himself out a glass of brandy and drank it eagerly. The stimulant nerved him for a little, but he began to grow impatient for his wife's return.
Meanwhile Hester's brain was at work up-stairs. In a whisper she had confided to her ayah that her husband must hurry off at once because he had done something bad which had been found out.
"Something veree bad," repeated the ayah, shaking her head. "Poor gentleman, what a pity it is done find out!"
"When we do wrong it is always found out by God, ayah," replied Hester. "His punishment must come unless we repent and make amends. But I feel we must give him some help. I want to dress my husband in some clothes as unlike his own as possible. Where is that saree and jacket you used to wear in the cold weather. Will you sell it to me, ayah?"
"Sell, missus? I giving, not selling. I go fetch this veree minute."
Hester then hurried downstairs quickly, divulging the plan to her husband.
"First-rate idea!" he said, springing up from his chair. "You're a genius, Hester!"
"Come then," she answered, drawing his arm through hers and leading him up-stairs.
The ayah stood in readiness, holding the required garments.
"Awfully good of you, ayah," said Mr. Rayner almost lightly. "I'll send your saree back again, or better still, your missus will buy you a new one!"