The Daughter of Brahma | Page 2

"I hate these black creatures," she said unsteadily. "They frighten me to
death with their stealthy ways. You have nerve, Mrs. Hurst--and you so
young, too."
"My grandfather was one of the men who made India," was the quiet,
almost indifferent answer. "My father was born out here, and is buried
in Lucknow. My son will be born, and will die out here, as I shall do. It
is in the blood." Then, with a swift yet smooth movement, she drew
herself upright and held out her arms. "Walter!" she said, joyfully.
The man who had been standing hesitating on the threshold of the room
came quickly forward. The movements of the slight, agile figure
seemed to betoken youth, yet, as he removed his pith helmet the pale
light revealed the face of a man who had seen more than youth recks of
anxiety, responsibility, perhaps fear. He bent over her and touched her
hand.
"I was afraid of startling you," he said, in a low voice, "but I had to
have a look in and see how you were getting on. Are you all right?"
"Yes, yes, quite all right. You have had news?"
He nodded.
"Lai Pandra has confessed. There is to be a big meeting to-night at
some place outside the village. He is to act as guide. All the ringleaders
will be there among them the Chitpaven Brahman, Nana Balagi. That is
proof enough that there is more in it all than mere dacoity. It will be a
big haul for us--if we are successful."

"There will be no danger?"
"I hope to get off with a few priestly curses."
"Is Lai Pandra to be trusted?"
"That's what none of us know. I am taking thirty Sikhs with me."
They looked at each other steadily. Mrs. Hurst had sunk back again, but
her eyes had never left her husband's face.
"Is there any chance that you will be back in time?"
Hurst glanced at the nurse.
"In three or four hours if all goes well."
Nurse Campden nodded. She had recovered something of her
self-possession.
"We can expect no change before then," she said.
"And if things don't go well?"
He held out his thin, brown hand and his wife took it and pressed it.
"In that case there isn't much to be said. I should like him to be called
David after your grandfather, you know. It would be a good omen.
There are no famous names on my side."
She smiled faintly.
"There is yours."
"I am one of hundreds."
"Not after to-night. And supposing it isn't a 'he'?"
He laughed.

"We've both made so sure, haven't we? Well, I leave it to you. Anyhow,
you will act for the best. Good-bye, dear."
He bent and kissed her, and she put her arms round his neck and drew
him close to her. A sudden exclamation broke from him.
"Jean!"
But she pushed him gently away.
"You must lose no time," she said. "Come back with glory."
He nodded, his eyes shining at her from under the straight brows.
"You're splendid!" he said. "Jean you're more made for this sort of
thing than I am."
"That's not true." There was a vague impatience in her tone. "You
ought not to have bothered about me. A wife is always a nuisance.
Good-bye."
"Good-bye, Jean!"
He made no attempt to kiss her again, but went to the window. Nurse
Campden followed him. His back was turned to the light, but in the part
darkness she saw enough of his face to startle even her blunted
susceptibilities. The rigid stoicism was gone. His fine, almost too
delicate features were working as though in an agony; the perspiration
stood out in great beads on his forehead.
"Mr. Hurst," she said in a rapid undertone, "couldn't you get some one
to take your place? I feel it my duty to tell you that it would be better if
you did not leave the house to-night. Any excitement or agitation might
have serious results for your wife or the child."
He looked at her. The mask had slipped back instantly to its place.
"I have spoken to my wife," he said. "She perfectly understands. She
will be neither agitated nor excited. I leave her in good hands. Good

night!"
He went down the two steps which led into the compound. Once Nurse
Campden fancied he hesitated and looked back at the lighted room, but
she could not be sure, and the next instant the darkness had engulf ecj
him. In the absolute quiet the two women could hear the sentry's
challenge, the answer, a word of command, and then the steady tramp
of marching feet on the high-road. Nurse Campden shivered and came
back from the window.
"You must not allow yourself to be