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Nick Ratcliffe had been his close friend from boyhood, and the chance that had stationed him within a short distance of the native city of Sharapura in which Nick was for the next few months to take up his abode was regarded by both as a singularly happy one.
"But I didn't know we were likely to meet." "That," said Noel, "was partly his doing and partly mine. He wrote and told me that Captain Ratcliffe was coming to Sharapura, and I at once took steps to get myself transferred to the battalion here." "Oh! Then you know Nick?" "By repute," smiled Noel. "A good many people in India can say the same, though he may be without honour in his own country."
Besides, they're nearly all Indians at Sharapura, and one couldn't marry an Indian!" "Couldn't one?" said Violet. "Wouldn't you like to be a ranee, Allegro? I would!" She looked at Olga with kindling eyes. "Just think of it, dear! The power, the magnificence, the jewels! Oh, I believe I'd do anything for riches." "Violet! I wouldn't!"
Nick made unflattering comment upon her jaded appearance when the time came to return, and bundled her unceremoniously into the Musgraves' dog-cart before Noel could put in a claim. Olga was in some sense relieved, for she did not want to talk, and Daisy fully understood and left her in peace during the drive back to Sharapura.
The key, also of gold, lay on the top of the casket. The gift was plainly a costly one, and every eye in the room followed it. The messenger reached the table and bowed low. "With the compliments of His Highness the Rajah of Sharapura!" he said, and deposited the casket upon the table. The Colonel glanced at Sir Reginald who at once responded.
I believe he thinks more of that beastly old reservoir of his than of the whole population of Sharapura put together. But surely you needn't go yet? Don't!" pleaded Noel, with his most persuasive smile. "No, don't let's, Mummy!" begged the child, clinging to her hero's hand. "Noel and me, we're goin' to be married, we are." "So we are," said Noel.
All the social circle of Sharapura and most of the native population usually assembled on the polo-ground to witness the great annual match between the Rajah's team and the officers stationed at the cantonments.
For nearly a month she had been established with Nick in the bungalow on the outskirts of the city, and the novelty of things had begun to wear off. She was not strong enough to go out very much, and beyond a few calls with Nick and a dinner or two at the cantonments she had not seen much of the social life of Sharapura.
Nick did not visit her until the evening, and then she at once began to talk of the topic that so occupied her thoughts. "Do you know, I had actually forgotten about going to Sharapura, Nick?" she said. "I'm so glad I've remembered. It's something to be quick and get well for." "Hear, hear!" said Nick, with a whoop of delight.
He had, and was practically ruined in consequence a calamity which in no way seemed to affect his spirits. "Who would have expected a rank outsider like that to walk over the course? Ought to have been disqualified for sheer cheek. Reminds me of a chap I once knew forget his name Nick something or other who entered at the last minute for the Great Mogul's Cup at Sharapura.
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