"Yes, yes, I know!" cried the little woman excitedly; and a severe mental struggle was evidently going on to keep back something upon her mind. But it was all in vain. The passionate feeling of jealousy that had been lit by the foolish tongue of the woman who had been constantly coming in and harping upon the theme, now began to glow, and in spite of her efforts the anger fanned the flame, till, in a gust of passion that made her cheeks burn with shame for her question, she turned suddenly upon the Resident. "I know it is a shame and a sin to say such a thing, but I can't help it now. I think it's your hot climate here has changed me, and made me what I am--but you are going up the river on this expedition Mr Harley?" "Yes, of course." "Will you wait for him?" "For the doctor? I'm afraid we must not wait much longer." "Then will you go to that woman's as you pass up the river, and make a thorough search? I'm ashamed to say it, but I feel perfectly sure that Doctor Bolter is there." "Where? At the Inche Maida's?" said the Resident, wonderingly. "Yes. I am sure he is there." "And I am certain that he is not!" cried Hilton, so warmly that the Resident glanced at him. "But I--I'm greatly afraid he is," panted Mrs Bolter. "Mrs Barlow said that she felt sure it must be so, and I've made a very, very great mistake in leaving my quiet little home in England, and letting my brother accept this chaplaincy." "Dear Mrs Bolter--pray hush!" whispered Grey, as her cheeks burned with shame. "It cannot be as you say." "My dear Mrs Bolter!" cried the Resident. "He would not of course of his own ideas," sobbed Mrs Bolter, who was now thoroughly unhinged; "but he must have called there when looking for gold, or insects, or birds, and been deluded into staying at that dreadful woman's house." "I'll swear it is not so," said Hilton, warmly. "There, there, my dear Mrs Bolter, you may make yourself easy on that score! I'll answer for our old friend the doctor." "Bless you, Mr Hilton!" sobbed the little woman, catching at his hands; "it is very, very good of you to say this. I never liked you one-half so well before." "You are upset," said Hilton, warmly, "and no wonder. Your anxiety must be terrible, and I can understand that you feel ready to snatch at any explanation of his long absence; but my dear Mrs Bolter, give us men the credit of being a little too strong to be so easily led away." He spoke in so frank and manly a tone, as he stood holding Mrs Bolter's hands, that Grey's eyes lit up, and she darted a look at him full of pride and thanks. But it was not seen, for Hilton was looking down at poor, troubled little Mrs Bolter, whose secret, one of which she felt bitterly ashamed, was now out.