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"But the action must have been in India," Harding resumed after a while. "Didn't you tell me Captain Challoner was coming home?"
"He gave up a good appointment when he found his regiment was to be sent to a station where there was a likelihood of some fighting. I think I can guess the reason."
Shortly before Blake left the camp he received further news by mail and some English newspapers. Bertram had been shot when leading an attack upon a fort among the frontier hills, and the accounts agreed that he had shown exceptional gallantry.
On reaching England, Blake found Millicent at the station. Mrs. Keith, she told him, had given up her London house and taken one near Sandymere. Then she looked thoughtful when he asked about his uncle.
"I'm afraid you will see a marked change in him," she said. "He has not been well since you left, and the news of Bertram's death was a shock."
She was with him when he met Challoner, who looked very frail and forlorn.
"It's a comfort to see you back, d.i.c.k; you are all I have now," he said, and went on with a break in his voice: "After all, it was a good end my boy made--a very daring thing! The place was supposed to be una.s.sailable by such a force as he had, but he stormed it. In spite of his fondness for painting, he was true to strain."
Some time later Blake said to Millicent, "You heard what he told me, dear? The secret must still be kept; I can't speak."
"No," said Millicent, "not while your uncle lives. It's hard, when I want everybody to know what you are."
He kissed her. "I daresay it's natural that you should be prejudiced in my favour, but I like it."
"Oh!" she answered, smiling, "I've no doubt you have some faults, but you're very staunch. You must do what you think right, d.i.c.k, and I'll try to be content. One reason for my loving you is that you are brave enough to take this generous part."
THE END
