With a face like a mask--for he had learned the trick of Oriental passivity--Tom moved about the hall. He was in search of Grace, whom he saw presently dancing in a waltz with an elderly civilian. After they had danced two rounds her partner led her to a seat. Tom passed them, making a low salute, and then stood back, as near as he dared, with his face averted lest Grace should recognise him. Her light whisper penetrated to where he stood. 'Who is that Indian?' she asked. 'I really can't tell you,' answered her companion, 'which is a little curious, for I know all the natives of distinction hereabouts. He was certainly not at the last durbar. I must ask Sir Henry about him.' 'I should like to know,' said Grace. 'He has a fine face----' 'For a native,' broke in her partner. 'For a native, if you will; and do you know, it strikes me that I have seen it before.' Here it occurred to Tom that he was doing a mean thing, and he moved away. The next time he saw Grace she was taking her place in a quadrille, in the company of a young and very handsome cavalry officer. Tom did not feel quite so comfortable as he had done, but he held his peace. While they waited for the other couples to come her partner was protesting with her earnestly. 'You will break all our hearts,' he said. 'Then somebody else must mend them,' answered Grace. 'But, seriously, why are you going? Do you think it will be safer at Meerut?' 'I am not going to Meerut.' 'Not? I thought your home was there.' 'So it is; but I have promised to pay a visit to Nowgong.' 'Really! Such an out-of-the-way station. Excuse me; but are you wise?' 'Wise or not,' said Grace, her every word falling clearly on the ears of the tall Indian in the background who did not think it wrong to listen now, 'I am bound to go. My poor little cousin--you will remember her, by the bye; she married Captain Richardson----' 'Yes; I remember--a muff! I beg your pardon, Miss Elton. I mean the gentleman, not the lady. She was an angel. I hope nothing is wrong with her.' 'I hope not, too; but we have been receiving rather miserable letters lately, and Uncle is going to see her, and I have promised to go with him, and stay with poor little Lucy for a week or two.' The quadrille had at last been got together, and Grace and her partner were called to attention; but the Indian had heard enough. When the dance was over he left the hall. CHAPTER XIV A MODEL STATE