For the first few days all was excitement at Sindang, for the report of the beauty of "Old Stuart's" daughter, and above all that of the child of the principal merchant in the place, created quite a furore among the officers of the two companies of foot stationed at the fort, and the young merchants and civil officers of the place. "It is really a very, very great relief, Henry," said Mrs Doctor. "I can sleep as easily again now those girls are off my hands. I mean that girl; but really I don't feel so satisfied as I should like, for though I know Helen Perowne to be safe in her father's charge, I am not at all sure that my responsibility has ceased." "Ah, you must do what you can for the motherless girls, my dear. Eh, Arthur? what do you say?" "I quite agree with you, Harry," said the new chaplain, quietly; "but the change to here is--is rather confusing at first." "Oh, you'll soon settle down, old fellow; and I say, Mary, my dear, it is a beautiful place, is it not?" "Very, very beautiful indeed," replied the little lady; "but it is very hot." "Well, say warmish," said the doctor, chuckling; "but I did not deceive you about that. You'll soon get used to it, and you won't be so ready to bustle about; you must take it coolly." "As you do?" said Mrs Doctor, smiling. "As I do? Oh, I'm the doctor, and here is every one getting his or her liver out of order during my absence! My hands are terribly full just now; but we shall soon settle down. How is the church getting on, Arthur?" "Slowly, my dear Harry," said the Reverend Arthur, in his quiet way. "They are making the improvements I suggested. Mr Perowne subscribed handsomely, and Mr Harley is supplying more labour; but I'm afraid I was rather negligent this morning, for I strolled away towards the woods." "Jungle, my dear fellow, jungle! but don't go again without me; I'm more at home here than you." "But the woods--I mean jungle--looked so beautiful; surely there is nothing to fear." "Not much--with care," replied the doctor, "but still there are dangers--fever, sunstroke, tigers, crocodiles, poisonous serpents, venomous insects and leeches." "Goodness gracious!" ejaculated Mrs Doctor. "Arthur, you are on no account to go again!" "But, my dear Mary--" said the chaplain, meekly. "Now, don't argue, Arthur. I say you are on no account to go again!" "But really, my dear Mary--" "I will listen to no excuse, Arthur. Unless Henry, who understands the place, accompanies you, I forbid your going again. I hope you have not been into any other dangerous place." "Oh, no, my dear Mary; I only went and called upon Mr Perowne." Mrs Bolter started, and the doctor burst into a roar of laughter. "Ha, ha, ha!" he cried. "Why, my dear boy, that's a far more dangerous place than the jungle." "I--I do not understand you, Henry," said the chaplain, with a faint flush in his cheek.