"By no means. We have finessed, that's all. Just at present I feel impelled to--well, give you a hint under the table." "Why?" "Miss Beatrice, more or less I stand in the position of a skilled and rich player who has tempted a less wealthy partner into a doubtful game. If my plans fail, I can look after myself; but I shouldn't like to get you in a mess. If I give you a hint, will you keep counsel?" "I suppose I must." "Well, then, it's just this. Your mother has invested the greater part of her money in the Marut Company. I did not want her to--I'll say that for myself--but she has the speculating craze, and nothing would stop her. Of course the mine will be an immense success--but if it isn't, I should like to see you, as my partner, well out of reach of the results." "Now I understand. Thank you." "As to the Rajah, I think you had better let him run before things go too far. I'm afraid he has got one or two silly ideas in his head. You had better make your engagement public." "Thank you." She looked perfectly calm and collected. The red had died out of her cheeks and left them their pale rose, which not even the hottest Indian sun had been able to wither. Still, her tone had something in it which startled even the self-possessed Travers. "By Jove!" he began, "are you angry--?" She passed over the question before he had time to finish it. "I am going into the garden to look for my mother," she said. "The band is just beginning. _Au revoir_." Travers watched her curiously and admiringly as she walked across the parquetry flooring to the door. It requires a good deal of self-possession and carriage to walk gracefully under the scrutiny of critical eyes, and this self-possession and carriage were the final clauses to Beatrice's claim to physical perfection. There was a natural dignity in her bearing and an absolute balance in all her movements which Travers had never seen before combined in one woman. At first sight an observer called her pretty, and then, as one by one the perfect details unfolded themselves to a closer criticism, beautiful. He was never disappointed, and even the most carping and envious of Marut's female contingent had failed to find her vulnerable point. So they had turned with more success to her character, and proceeded there with their work of destruction. Her beauty they left unquestioned.