His frank, easy manner seemed to chase away the Inche Maida's coldness, and laying her gloved hand upon the young man's arm, she pressed it rather more warmly than English etiquette requires, and together they promenaded the grounds, coming twice over upon Hilton, who seemed dull and out of sorts; while Helen was full of vivacity, her eyes sparkling, her words full of bright repartee; and even the Resident, with his rather sardonic humour, seemed to look at her more kindly than usual. This look seemed to spoil her, for she immediately after began to flirt merrily, first with one and then with another, sending poisoned stabs through Hilton's breast, and making him gnaw his lip as he darted reproachful glances at her from time to time. Grey saw a good deal of this as the party gradually drew together to where an _al fresco_ supper was spread upon the lawn, and her sufferings were as acute as those of Hilton. "She does not care for him in the least," she said to herself, as she noted Helen's conduct with a young officer present. "Miss Stuart, may I take you to a seat? They are going to have supper now." Grey started and turned pale. Why had Captain Hilton asked her? she thought. Then her heart answered,--Because Helen was trifling with him. "I am engaged to Mr Chumbley, I think," she said, coldly, torturing herself by her words; for she felt as if she would have given worlds to have been seated at his side. "Perhaps the Princess will allow me to be her escort?" said Hilton, stiffly. "Yes, I will," said the Princess, quickly, and she went with him towards the supper-table. "Well," said Chumbley, "suppose we go and find places, Miss Stuart; only if I bore you don't be above telling me." She turned her soft grey eyes upon him laughingly-- "I am very much obliged to you," she said with a smile; "but I fear you will find me very dull company." "Well, as I'm dull too, it will be all right." The supper was all that could be desired, and very beautiful everything seemed beneath the bright suspended lamps. Flowers, fruit, all that money could provide, were there; and the mingling of English and Eastern customs added to the charm of the banquet beneath the great mellow stars. The wine sparkled, merry voices chatted; and the doctor's speech proposing their young hostess's good health, and many happy returns of the day, was so great a triumph, that Mrs Bolter, who had been looking very cross, and trying in vain to get her husband to her side, began to seem a little better satisfied, especially as, a few minutes after, he came behind her chair and whispered: "I hope I did not say anything to displease you, my dear." Then, as the little band, composed of half a dozen soldiers of the force, began a waltz, the company strolled once more in couples about the grounds; but only to return before long to the front of the house and form one huge group composed of smaller groups, with the conversation in full swing.