More spiteful comments were made on Noreen by the Englishwomen on the train, and the girl could not help remarking their contemptuous glances at her and her escort.

When the train ran into the station at Darjeeling she saw her friend, Ida Smith, waiting on the platform for her.  As the two embraced and kissed each other effusively Charlesworth muttered to Turner: 

“It’s all right, old chap.  I’ll be introduced to that girl before this time tomorrow, you bet.  I know her friend.  She’s from the Bombay side—­wife of one of the Heaven Born.”

By this lofty title are designated the members of the Indian Civil Service by lesser mortals, such as army officers—­who in return are contemptuously termed “brainless military popinjays” by the exalted caste.

Their greeting over, Noreen introduced Chunerbutty to Ida, who nodded frigidly and then turned her back on him.

“Now, dear, point out your luggage to my servant and he’ll look after it and get it up to the hotel.  Oh, how do you do, Captain Charlesworth?”

The Rifleman, determined to lose no time in making Noreen’s acquaintance, had come up to them.

“I had quite a shock, Mrs. Smith, when I saw you on the platform, for I was afraid that you were leaving us and had come to take the down train.”

“Oh, no; I am only here to meet a friend,” she replied.  “Have you just arrived by this train?  Have you been away?”

Charlesworth laughed and replied: 

“What an unkind question, Mrs. Smith!  It shows that I haven’t been missed.  Yes, I’ve been on ten days’ leave to Calcutta.”

“How brave of you at this time of year!  It must have been something very important that took you there.  Have you been to see your tailor?” Then, without giving him time to reply, she turned to Noreen.  “Let me introduce Captain Charlesworth, my dear.  Captain Charlesworth, this is Miss Daleham, an old school-friend, who has come up to keep me company.  We poor hill-widows are so lonely.”

The Rifleman held out his hand eagerly to the girl.

“How d’you do, Miss Daleham?  I hope you’ve come up for the Season.”

“Yes, I think so,” she replied.  “It’s a very delightful change from down below.  This is my first visit to a hill-station.”

“Then you’ll be sure to enjoy it.  Are you going to the
Lieutenant-Governor’s ball on Thursday?”

“I don’t suppose so.  I don’t know anything about it,” she replied.  “You see, I’ve only just arrived.”

“You are, dear,” said Ida.  “I told Captain Craigie, one of the A.D.C.’s, that you were coming up, and he sent me your invitation with mine.”

“Oh, how jolly!” exclaimed the girl.  “I do hope I’ll get some partners.”

“Please accept me as one,” said Charlesworth.  Then he tactfully added to Ida, “I hope you’ll spare me a couple of dances, Mrs. Smith.”

“With pleasure, Captain Charlesworth,” she replied.  “But do come and see us before then.”