Wenaston rose and went to the top of the verandah steps. Two men stood under the portico keeping in the shadow of the ornamental shrubs. "Who is there?" he asked in a low voice. One of the visitors came forward into the light and Wenaston recognised Bopaul. "Oh, it's you, is it?" "Yes, sir; I have brought Ananda. He wants to see you about Mr. Alderbury's offer." Wenaston descended the steps and they retreated together out of reach of the lamp light. "How did you hear of it?" he asked in some surprise. There was a slight pause and then Bopaul explained that he had heard of it and had told Ananda. "From the telegraph clerk, I suppose," said Wenaston. "If he knows it the whole town knows it." "Perhaps; but Ananda's people have not been told." "So much the better; it will make it easier for you to get away," said Wenaston addressing Ananda. "I have come to see you to-night, sir, to say that I have decided not to accept Mr. Alderbury's invitation. I shall be glad if you will write and tell him so. I have sent a letter which Bopaul posted for me; but it will be as well if you will add your word to mine." Wenaston listened in surprise. He had concluded that the visit was made for the purpose of raising money for the journey. It had not crossed his mind that the invitation would be refused. He gazed at his visitors in the darkness as though he had not heard correctly. "Are you wise to remain here after the hostile demonstration we have experienced in the college? I am afraid it won't end there." "It would be cowardly to run away," said Ananda in a firm voice that betokened determination backed by courage. "I have reasons for remaining under my father's roof. I am attached to my parents and----" he hesitated for a moment and then added quickly, "and to my wife and child. If these two would come with me I would go to-morrow, or even to-night; but I won't leave Chirapore without them." "I am not sure that you are acting wisely; though I can't deny that it is courageous. You need not stay away for ever. You might return at any time. Popular antagonism will die down if you are not here to keep it alive; and your family might become more reconciled to the step you have taken." "They might; on the other hand they might consider me as dead; and then think of the fate of my wife." "They would regard her as a widow, you mean." "The case is exceptional and without precedent in Chirapore. They are more likely to consider the marriage annulled by my departure, and to give my wife to another man. That shall not be as long as I have an arm to protect her. She is mine; mine by right of past possession and she shall be mine in the future." Even Bopaul was impressed by the new attitude of his friend. The weakness had disappeared in a marvellous manner, and every trace of timidity had vanished.