"You don't seem to realise that Sir Arthur's influence won't help you outside Granthistan, and will be very little use in any line but the military. What's taken you?" "It's simply that I mean to stick to Sir Edmund. My views as to the treatment of the natives were learnt from him, and I can work better with him than with our Mr James, much as I respect him." "James Antony is the coming man, and the man for me. But if you will choose the losing side--why, I suppose you must. It's like her, too." "It is, indeed--since she chose me and not you. Bob, I'm still lost in wonder over that." Charteris moved impatiently. "Shows her wisdom. I don't mind telling you, Hal--it may make you more comfortable to hear it--that I had misgivings. Not about my own happiness--Heaven knows that I could ask nothing better--but whether I could make her happy. I can't spout Tennyson to her, or appreciate her pretty little German tales about knights and water-nymphs--the _New Sporting Magazine_ and _Lays of Ancient Rome_ are more my number. Evidently I am cut out for pacifying Darwan rather than for domestic joys. And after all, two years ago I would have given my ears to be where I am now. You have Honour, and I have honours, you see"--with a fairly creditable laugh--"and so everything is for the best in the best of all possible worlds." [1] Big dinner. [2] Bravo.