Suggestion after suggestion was offered, as the reason of the Resident's remark was fully realised; but as time went on the little knot of English people more fully than ever realised how helpless they were in the midst of the Malays, whose good offices they were compelled to enlist. VOLUME TWO, CHAPTER FIVE. A NEW PHASE. The meeting was soon after strengthened by the arrival of Mrs Bolter and the principal ladies of the little community, when before long it became evident that Helen Perowne's behaviour had made the ladies of one mind. Their sole idea was that which found vent at last from the lips of Mrs Bolter, who, after a good deal of pressing as to her belief, gave it: "I am very sorry to express my feelings upon the subject," she said, "and perhaps I am prejudiced; but I cannot help thinking that Miss Perowne has eloped with Captain Hilton, and Lieutenant Chumbley has gone with them to save appearances." "That doesn't account for Rosebury's disappearance, my dear," said the doctor, rather tartly, for he was annoyed at his wife's decided tone. "I am sorry to say that Miss Perowne," continued the lady, "had gained a great deal of influence over my brother, and I daresay he would have acquiesced in anything she wished him to do." "I am quite sure you are wronging Helen, and Mr Rosebury as well!" cried Grey Stuart, suddenly. "Mrs Bolter, these words of yours are cruel in the extreme!" "Maybe, my dear," said Mrs Bolter, tightening her lips. "And I am sure," cried Grey, "that Captain Hilton would never have taken such a step; while Lieutenant Chumbley would have been the first to call it madness!" "And who made you their champion, miss?" cried old Stuart, sharply. "I only said what I thought was right, papa," said Grey, with no little dignity. "I could not stand by and hear Helen accused of so great a lapse of duty without a word in her defence." "And I am sure, from her father to the humblest here," said the Resident, taking Grey's hand and kissing it, "we all honour you for your sentiments, Miss Stuart. And now, Mrs Bolter," he continued, turning to the doctor's wife, "as we have heard your belief, let me ask you, as a sensible woman, whether you think such an assertion can be true." "I don't see why you should take up the cudgels so fiercely on Miss Perowne's behalf, Mr Harley," said the little lady, quietly. "That is beside the question," he retorted, "and I ask you again, do you think this true?" "I told you beforehand, Mr Harley," replied the lady, "that I was no doubt very much prejudiced, and I believe I am; but I am at least frank and plain, and repeat, that after due consideration it does wear that aspect to me." "Speak out, Mrs Bolter, please," said the father. "I will have no reservations." "It is a time, Mr Perowne, when I feel bound to speak out, and without reservation. I grieve to say that Miss Perowne's whole conduct has been such as to lead any thoughtful woman to believe that what I say is true."