Anyhow, it saved our
lives.
"And how are you getting on, Annie? Are you happy?"
"Oh, so happy!" she exclaimed. "At least, I was until your mother got
ill, and I was working very hard at my lessons; but of course that has
all been stopped, as far as taking them from her is concerned. But I
have gone on working, and the Rajah's sons have been very good, and
helped me sometimes, and I begin to read words of two letters. And
what has brought you back so soon?"
"That I can't tell you yet, Annie. I will only tell you that it is not
bad news; and no one but my uncle will know more than that, till I
have told my mother--even my aunt won't hear it."
"Has Surajah come back too, Dick?"
"Yes; I heard horses in the courtyard just now, and I have no doubt it
was him. I rode on first, being anxious to see my mother."
They chatted for a few minutes. Then the Rajah came to the door, and
called Dick into the next room.
"I have settled your father in the room at the other end of the
gallery, Dick. He agreed with me that it was better for him to keep
there, by himself, until you have told your mother that he is here. I
have just ordered a meal to be sent, and after that will send my
barber in to shave him.
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