"Little thing, forgive them!" she whispered. "They, who know not what they do...."
As soon as it was possible the four of them, and Po Sein, boarded the evening express for Rangoon, and the house on the hill with the frangipani trees stood forlornly empty for quite a long time.
* * * * * *
They had decided to account for themselves verbally and not attempt the written word. Accordingly, they arrived, unwelcomed, to take up their quarters in the hotel, and it was agreed that Ferlie should send for Peter, while Cyprian sought an interview with Maddock.
Eventually, the exact opposite transpired. Peter, wearing a Head-of-the-Family air, presented himself before Cyprian with "my sister" possessively decorating his lips, and Ferlie ran the old Colonel, accidentally, to earth on the yacht, in the meantime.
Just as well, perhaps; for, while Cyprian was quite equal to Peter's lofty dutifulness, Ferlie was much more likely to prove a match for the Colonel.
He had known her all her life but they had not met since her marriage. She did not mean to make a Father-Confessor of him, but his mellowness invited confidence. He had outlived all passionate visions of altering his neighbours' landmarks and had developed, instead, a distinct sense of humour.
Ferlie imagined Peter to be lacking a little in that commodity.
"Well, young woman!" was the Colonel's greeting as he unbashfully embraced her. "So you are playing truant and, likewise, leading the future Lord John Greville-Mainwaring astray from his ancient heritage. Are any of us to be enlisted as peace-makers?"
"Peace is my present objective," said Ferlie, "but I do not anticipate that Black Towers will supply it, Uncle Ricky, even at your invitation."