They wondered all the more because, though nothing was known for certain, they suspected a rupture in the relations between Stafford and the Carmichael family, and Beatrice was recognized as the undoubtable cause. Her engagement with Stafford had been kept secret, but the Marut world had its ideas and was puzzled to distraction as to why he seemed to shun her society and had become morose and taciturn. "It is his conscience," said the busybodies, whose inexperience on the subject of conscience excused the mistaken diagnosis. Travers knew better. He felt no sort of regret, but he was rather sorry for Stafford and sometimes Stafford felt his unspoken sympathy and shrank from it. "We have been looking all over the place for you, Travers," he said, after the first greeting had been exchanged. "Nicholson arrived here last night, and he has already been on a tour of inspection. He wants to know the man who has built the modern settlement." Travers turned to the new-comer and held out his hand. "Glad to meet you," he said cordially; "but please don't run off with the idea that I have anything to do with the innovations. I am no more than the artisan. The Rajah is the moving spirit." Nehal Singh's expression protested. "If money is the moving power, you may be right," he said; "but if, as I think, the conception is everything, then the credit is wholly yours." "You have been the energizing spirit," Travers retorted. "Well, we will divide the honors. And, after all, it does not matter in the least who has done it, so long as it is done." "Well spoken!" Adam Nicholson said. "If that's your principle, I'm not surprised at the marvels you have brought about." Nehal Singh turned to the speaker. "You think the changes are for the good?" he asked eagerly. "Without a doubt. The new Bazaar is a model for Indian civilization." "And the mine?" "Excuse me--is that part of the reform? I understood that it was merely a speculation." The prince's brows contracted with surprise. "It is part of the reform. I wish to give my people a settled industry. There is no idea of--personal gain." "I see. Well, I don't know about that yet. I haven't looked into the matter; I must to-morrow--that is, no, I won't. You know,"--with a movement of good-tempered impatience--"I've been sent here on a rest-cure, and I'm not to bother about anything. Please remind me now and again. I always forget." Stafford smiled grimly. "You don't look as though you knew what rest is," he said.