“The doctors here say that Richard must positively go home at once. He has been out too long, and it is quite time that another member of the firm took a turn in the East. He has been working hard, and it is essential for him to have a complete holiday; and I must accompany him--a step for which I was quite unprepared. I have taken a house at Simla for the season--that I can easily relet and get off my hands; but what am I to do with dear little Lalla? “The poor child only came out last cold weather year, and cannot endure the idea of leaving India--and no wonder, with any number of admirers, and a box of new dresses just landed by the mail steamer! I had intended giving her such a gay season, and sending Dick home alone; but now all my nice little schemes have been knocked on the head--how soon a few days, even a few hours, out here alters all one’s plans! And now to come to the gist of my letter--will you take Lalla? I would not trust her with any one but her own aunt, though I know that Mrs. Monty-Kute is dying to have her. You will find her a most amusing companion; no one could be dull with Lalla in the house. She is a pretty girl, and will do you credit, and is certain to be the belle of the place. She has rather a nice little voice, plays the banjo and guitar, and dances like a professional. As to her disposition, nothing in this world is capable of ruffling her serene temper--I cannot think who she takes after, for it is not a _family_ trait--I have never once seen her put out, and that is more than can be said for a girl in a thousand. In fact, she _is_ a girl in a thousand. I can send her to you with a lovely outfit, a new habit and saddle, and her pony, if you wish. I am sure, dear, you will receive her if you can possibly manage it; and do your best to get her well _settled_, for you know poor Eustace has Charlotte and Sophy now quite grown up; even May is eighteen. You are so clever, so popular, so full of sense, dearest Ida--so superior to my stupid self--that if you do consent to take Lalla under your wing, her fortune is practically made. We have engaged passages in the _Paramatta_, which sails on the twelfth, so write by return of post to “Your loving sister, “FANNY CRAUFORD.” “Fanny is quite right,” said Mrs. Langrishe, with a slight tinge of contempt in her tone. “She is by no means clever--just an impulsive, good-natured goose, without a scrap of tact, and is taken in and imposed on on all sides. I won’t have the pony, that is positive, and gram ten seers for the rupee.” “Then you have quite decided to take the young lady?” exclaimed her companion incredulously.