CHAPTER I.
MY PRETTY MOTHER--AYAH--COMPANY.
My name is Margaret Vandaleur.

My father was a captain in her Majesty's 202nd Regiment of Foot.

The regiment was in India for six years, just after I was born; indeed, I was not many months old when I made my first voyage, which I fancy Eleanor is thinking of when she says that I have had some adventures.
Military ladies are said to be unlucky as to the times when they have to change stations; the move often chancing at an inconvenient moment.

My mother had to make her first voyage with the cares of a young baby on her hands; nominally, at any rate, but I think the chief care of me fell upon our Ayah.

My mother hired her in England.