"Thank God," Paul answered fervently; and he thanked Honor also with his eyes.
"I shall move into the bungalow myself after the funeral, and give you what help I can. He will need a good deal of companionship to keep him from chafing at his helplessness. He wished the Boy to be brought here and buried from his house. I am making all arrangements; and we shall be round quite early in the morning. Can I see Desmond again to-night?"
Mackay pursed his lips.
"He'll do best with just the women-folk this evening. Look in after Mess, if you like—last thing."
"Was Evelyn with him when you left?" Honor asked suddenly, a flash of apprehension in her tone.
"No."
"I must go and see what has come to her," she said, visibly disturbed. "I shall see you both after Mess."
She hurried out, and listened intently at the study door. No sound broke the stillness; and with an aching dread at her heart she passed on to the next door.
The brief dusk of India was already almost spent; and finding Evelyn's room in semi-darkness, she paused on the threshold.