“I thought all Indians came home with lots of money,” Mrs. Hannay said complainingly. “Not the military. We do the fighting, and get fairly paid for it. The civilians get five times as highly paid, and run no risks whatever. Why it should be so no one has ever attempted to explain; but there it is, sister.” Mrs. Hannay, therefore, although she complained of the partiality shown to Isobel, was well aware that the Major’s savings could amount to no very great sum; although, in nine years, with higher rank and better pay, he might have added a good bit to the little store of which he had spoken to her. When, a week before the vessel sailed, Dr. Wade appeared with a letter he had received from the Major, asking him to take charge of Isobel on the voyage, Mrs. Hannay conceived a violent objection to him. He had, in fact, been by no means pleased with the commission, and had arrived in an unusually aggressive and snappish humor. He cut short Mrs. Hannay’s well turned sentences ruthlessly, and aggrieved her by remarking on Helena’s want of color, and recommending plenty of walking exercise taken at a brisk pace, and more ease and comfort in the matter of dress. “Your daughter’s lungs have no room to play, madam,” he said; “her heart is compressed. No one can expect to be healthy under such circumstances.” “I have my own medical attendant, Dr. Wade,” Mrs. Hannay said decidedly. “No doubt, madam, no doubt. All I can say is, if his recommendations are not the same as mine, he must be a downright fool. Very well, Miss Hannay, I think we understand each other; I shall be on board by eleven o’clock, and shall keep a sharp lookout for you. Don’t be later than twelve; she will warp out of the dock by one at latest, and if you miss that your only plan will be to take the train down to Tilbury, and hire a boat there.” “I shall be in time, sir,” Isobel said. “Well, I hope you will, but my experience of women is pretty extensive, and I have scarcely met one who could be relied upon to keep an appointment punctually. Don’t laden yourself more than you can help with little bags, and parcels, and bundles of all kinds; I expect you will be three or four in a cabin, and you will find that there is no room for litter. Take the things you will require at first in one or two flat trunks which will stow under your berth; once a week or so, if the weather is fine, you will be able to get at your things in the hold. Do try if possible to pack all the things that you are likely to want to get at during the voyage in one trunk, and have a star or any mark you like painted on that trunk with your name, then there will be no occasion for the sailors to haul twenty boxes upon deck. Be sure you send all your trunks on board, except those you want in your cabin, two days before she sails. Do you think you can remember all that?” “I think so, Dr. Wade.” “Very well then, I’m off,” and the Doctor shook hands with Isobel, nodded to Mrs. Hannay and Helena, and hurried away.