It was unquestionably a trying effort for her, especially the balloon voyage, which would expose her to the cold of the mists and of the night, and I feared to the intenser cold of the upper air.
But I dared not leave her, and she was pleased by a peremptory decision which made her the companion of my absence, without leaving room for discussion or question.

The time for our departure was drawing near when, followed by Eunane, she came into my chamber.
"If we are to be long away," she said, "you must say on whom my charges are to devolve." "As you please," I answered, sure of her choice, and well content to see her hand over her cares to Eunane, who, if she lacked the wisdom and forbearance of Eveena, could certainly hold the reins with a stronger hand.
"Eive," she said, "has asked the charge of my flowerbed; but I had promised it, and"---- "And you would rather give it," I answered, "to Eunane?
Naturally; and I should not care to allow Eive the chance of spoiling your work.

I think we may now trust whatever is yours in those once troublesome hands," looking at Eunane, "with perfect assurance that they will do their best." I had never before parted even from Eunane with any feeling of regret; but on this occasion an impulse I could not account for, but have ever since been glad to remember, made me turn at the last moment and add to Eveena's earnest embrace a few words of affection and confidence, which evidently cheered and encouraged her deputy.

The car that awaited us was of the light tubular construction common here, formed of the silvery metal _zorinta_.

About eighteen feet in length and half that breadth, it was divided into two compartments; each, with the aid of canopy and curtains, forming at will a closed tent, and securing almost as much privacy as an Arab family enjoys, or opening to the sky.