Part 29 (1/2)
But one morning matters came to a crisis. When Violet and Wargrave returned to the hotel from their ride before breakfast a telegram was handed to the latter. He found it to be an official message from Colonel Dermot, which ran:
”Please return forthwith to Ranga Duar. I start for Europe on sick leave to-day.”
Frank stared at it in surprise. He had heard nothing of his superior officer being ill. It must be something very serious to necessitate his being sent to Europe. The news was an unpleasant shock to him; for he genuinely liked and respected the Political Officer.
Then it occurred to him that this order to return brought everything to a head. Violet saw that he was perturbed.
”What is it, Frank?” she asked.
”I'll tell you upstairs, dear,” he said.
In her sitting-room he handed her the telegram.
”I must leave to-day. Will you be ready to come with me?” he asked.
”What? To-day? My dear boy, it's impossible,” she replied.
”But I must go. You see, it's imperative. The Colonel's already gone.”
”Yes, I see you must. But--well, I simply couldn't be ready,” said Violet calmly. ”Besides, I'm singing at the concert to-morrow night; and there's the dance at Government House the night after. I must follow you later.”
”But that means your travelling alone,” he argued. ”Wouldn't it be much pleasanter for you to come with me?”
”Don't worry about me for goodness' sake, Frank. I'm not a helpless person. I came across India by myself to get here; and surely I'll be able to manage to do a twenty-four hours' journey alone.”
”Very well, dear,” he replied with an inward, unacknowledged feeling of relief that the decisive step had not to be taken yet. ”I'll come down from Ranga Duar with an elephant to meet you at the railway station when you arrive. Now, while you're changing for breakfast, I'll rush round to the Oriental and see if Mrs. Dermot has more news.”
When he reached the hotel he found Noreen busily packing. She was pale and evidently deeply distressed, although outwardly calm and collected.
”You have heard?” she asked, as he entered her sitting-room.
”Only that your husband is starting for England on sick leave and that I'm to return at once. What's the matter? I hope it's not serious.”
”Mr. Macdonald wires that Kevin must go at once to England for an operation. He says I'm not to worry, as there is no immediate danger.
But of course I can't help being alarmed. It's all so sudden. I didn't know that Kevin was ill. Mr. Macdonald is travelling with him to the junction on the main line where the children and I are to meet them.
Isn't it kind of him? I'm so glad to know my husband will have someone with him until I come.”
”We'll meet at the railway station after lunch, then,” said Wargrave.
”We'll be together as far as the junction.”
Mrs. Dermot hesitated.
”Are you travelling alone?” she asked.
Frank flushed as he replied:
”Yes. She--Violet is to follow later.”
Noreen made no comment; and having learned all that he could he returned to his hotel.
He dreaded the ordeal of the parting with Mrs. Norton, but when the time came for it he found his fear of a distressing scene quite uncalled for.