I was keen then--honestly keen.

But the next evening we came down to La Grave, and--I met you." "No," Violet Oliver protested.

"That's not the reason." "I think it is," said Shere Ali quietly; and Violet was silent.
In spite of her pity, which was genuine enough, her thoughts went out towards Shere Ali's friend.

With what words and in what spirit would he have received Shere Ali's summons to Chiltistan?
She asked herself the question, knowing well the answer.

There would have been no lamentations--a little regret, perhaps, perhaps indeed a longing to take her with him.