During the next few days Violet baffled every attempt that Frank made to discuss their future course of action. The constant succession of gaieties, the balls, theatricals, concerts, races, _gymkhanas_, that filled every afternoon and evening of the Darjeeling Season, took up all her time. Whenever he tried to talk matters over with her she invariably replied that there was no hurry, even when he pointed out that Major Norton might arrive any day in consequence of her letter. That he had not already done so was inexplicable to Wargrave; and the subaltern could only believe her assurance that her husband accepted her loss with equanimity. It never occurred to Frank to doubt that she had written the letter. But one morning matters came to a crisis. When Violet and Wargrave returned to the hotel from their ride before breakfast a telegram was handed to the latter. He found it to be an official message from Colonel Dermot, which ran: "Please return forthwith to Ranga Duar. I start for Europe on sick leave to-day." Frank stared at it in surprise. He had heard nothing of his superior officer being ill. It must be something very serious to necessitate his being sent to Europe. The news was an unpleasant shock to him; for he genuinely liked and respected the Political Officer. Then it occurred to him that this order to return brought everything to a head. Violet saw that he was perturbed. "What is it, Frank?" she asked. "I'll tell you upstairs, dear," he said. In her sitting-room he handed her the telegram. "I must leave to-day. Will you be ready to come with me?" he asked. "What? To-day? My dear boy, it's impossible," she replied. "But I must go. You see, it's imperative. The Colonel's already gone." "Yes, I see you must. But--well, I simply couldn't be ready," said Violet calmly. "Besides, I'm singing at the concert to-morrow night; and there's the dance at Government House the night after. I must follow you later." "But that means your travelling alone," he argued. "Wouldn't it be much pleasanter for you to come with me?" "Don't worry about me for goodness' sake, Frank. I'm not a helpless person. I came across India by myself to get here; and surely I'll be able to manage to do a twenty-four hours' journey alone." "Very well, dear," he replied with an inward, unacknowledged feeling of relief that the decisive step had not to be taken yet. "I'll come down from Ranga Duar with an elephant to meet you at the railway station when you arrive. Now, while you're changing for breakfast, I'll rush round to the Oriental and see if Mrs. Dermot has more news." When he reached the hotel he found Noreen busily packing. She was pale and evidently deeply distressed, although outwardly calm and collected. "You have heard?" she asked, as he entered her sitting-room. "Only that your husband is starting for England on sick leave and that I'm to return at once. What's the matter? I hope it's not serious."