The brother had materialised! Oh, those brothers and fathers, and mothers and sisters, and all those relations who are always so strangely near at hand in India!
"If I may offer a suggestion," said the soft voice in the delightfully choice English of the educated native of India who has sojourned in England, "it would be that we drive only to Jessore, stopping at Bongong dâk bungalow for tiffin. If the mem-sahib is sight-seeing, I will arrange everything in the most convenient and pleasant manner for her. From here to Kulna in one day would be a long and wearisome journey in this great heat."
Leonie half turned with the slightest frown as she passed her hand over her eyes.
Once again had come that suggestion of something familiar—a suggestion too fleeting to be caught.
"You can do exactly as you think best as long as I start for the
Sunderbunds to-morrow morning."
"The public boat does not start for three days, mem-sahib."
"I can hire a private launch, can I not? Money is no object, only speed."
"Easily, mem-sahib. Consider it arranged!"
Leonie lifted her head for half a second, showing her face deathly white, the crimson line of her beautiful mouth and the shadow-encircled eyes emphasised by the dark green silk lining of her topee.
She glanced quickly at the dignified figure beside her on the pavement and looked away.