It was not his intention to return to England for some time yet.

He had work to do in connection with his proposed colony; and a wife--even a native wife--could not well be a companion in the circumstances.

Besides, Lali--his wife's name was Lali!--would be better occupied in learning the peculiarities of the life in which her future would be cast.

It was possible they would find her an apt pupil.

Of this they could not complain, that she was untravelled; for she had ridden a horse, bareback, half across the continent.