Paddy blushed again, which was most becoming to her, and Basil could not help looking candidly surprised, though he forbore from any more personalities at present. The individual introduced as Captain O’Connor was sitting next to Paddy, and she was rather glad, as “lady-killers” were not in her line, and she liked the look of this sunburnt soldier. She commenced chatting to him at once in her pleasant, friendly way, and Captain O’Connor was more than pleased. With the delightful humility of his nation, his first thought was—“Any one would have known she’s Irish, she’s so nice.” Presently the topic of India was introduced, that of their respective Irish counties and the general perfection of the Emerald Isle becoming a little exhausted, and the Captain told her about the gayeties of the hill stations, and of Calcutta during the season. “I stayed two or three weeks in Calcutta,” he told her, “on my way home, as I knew I should have quite as good a time there as in England.” He suddenly became thoughtful, as if struck by some memory, and with equal suddenness turned upon her with the startling remark: “By the way, Lawrence Blake comes from near Omeath. Do you know him?” Paddy was so taken aback, she caught her breath with a little gasp before she answered. “Yes, very well indeed.” “How odd,” said the Captain and paused. “Why?” eyeing him keenly. He coloured under his sunburn. “Oh, nothing,” and then after a moment—as if changing his mind—“He’s engaged to a great friend of mine.” “Engaged!” exclaimed Paddy, too taken aback to hide her astonishment. “Yes; why!” and this time it was Captain O’Connor’s turn to look with keen eyes. “Oh, nothing!” she answered, “only I’m rather surprised I hadn’t heard of it. Whom is he engaged to?” “The Hon. Grant-Carew’s daughter. She’s well known over there.” “Do you know her?” unable to hide her curiosity. “Yes, very well.” “What is she like?” He paused a moment. “She’s the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen,” he said at last, with conviction. For some minutes Paddy was silent. “Are you quite sure they’re engaged?” she asked presently. “Quite. I had it from her own lips, and congratulated the two of them the same evening. It hadn’t been publicly announced yet, but she had her own reasons for telling me then. He’s rich, isn’t he? I hope so, because she’s the sort of girl who ought to have just everything she wants. He’s a thundering lucky chap,” and poor Guy looked sufficiently miserable to make his own part in the story very plain. “Yes, he’s rich,” Paddy answered, “and he has a lovely place near Omeath. I wonder when they will be married? I don’t like the idea of somebody fresh coming there at all. I’m sure I shan’t like her.” “I think you will. She’s very popular in India. Everybody likes her.” “I’m rather difficult to please,” asserted Miss Paddy with her nose in the air and Guy O’Connor wondered why she seemed so unnecessarily down upon both Gwendoline and Lawrence.