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"So changed," said Nada dispiritedly.

It was really less the change than the fact that the gloomy dilapidation to which she had been imperceptibly accustomed from childhood (after Waller's death) seemed to have all taken place during her absence, since now for the first time she realised its run-down and dismal condition.

No one appeared to welcome her. Quite bewildered, she looked about from across the veranda rail. Her polished shoes dangled from over her shoulders; it had not seemed worth while to put them on. She laughed nervously, being that near to crying; and she said almost hopefully, "There is no one here," as if that would give her an excuse for not remaining.

Williams disappeared inside the house. The big Sanniuu and another native vanished hurriedly, looking for somebody, anybody. Sanniuu had the determined air of a pursuer, and presently came back with a fat native woman. He walked slightly behind her, like a suspicious warder, afraid that she might try to get away. The woman was sullenly curious, a little uneasy, and still looked sleepy.