"You have not been here before," said Major Urquhart, in a deep hollow voice.
"Never."
"Charming place! immensely improved since I went to India five years ago."
"Miss Bradley has great taste," remarked Katherine.
"Wonderful—astonishing; she has made all this fernery since I was here last."
Then there was a long pause, and a few more sentences expressive of admiration were exchanged, and somehow Katherine began to feel that her companion was rather bored and preoccupied, so she turned her steps towards the house, intending to release him.
At the further side of the fernery, in a pretty path between green banks, they suddenly met Errington face to face.
"Miss Bradley wants you, Urquhart," he said, as soon as they had exchanged salutations. "You may leave Miss Liddell in my charge, if she will permit." Major Urquhart bowed himself off, and Errington continued, "You would not suspect that was a very distinguished officer."
"I don't know; he seems very silent and inanimate."
"Well, I assure you he is a very fine fellow, and did great deeds in the Mutiny. But come, the lawn is looking quite picturesque in the sunshine, with the groups of people scattered about. It would be perfect were it sleeping in the tranquil silence of a restful Sabbath day."