Towards four o'clock I put on my tennis shoes, took my racket and sauntered off to the club, where I had engaged to make up a set with Dolly Dane. I found already awaiting me Dolly, Captain Learoyd and the padre. I noticed that they were talking eagerly together, but ceased abruptly as I approached within earshot, and there seemed none of the usual eagerness about starting a game.
"What is the matter?" I asked. "You all look so very grave. Is anyone dead--or has there been an accident?"
"Well--er--no accident," said the padre, and he glanced significantly at Dolly, who, taking my arm, led me aside.
"My dear Eva," she began. "I am sorry to say I've the most _awful_ thing to tell you," and she paused.
"Oh do be quick!" I urged. "It's my brother--is he ill?"
"No, no," she replied, with a jerk of impatience. "It's about Mrs. Hayes-Billington, your chaperon. It seems that she is the heroine of a terrible divorce case. She was a Mrs. de Lacy; her husband had a civil appointment up in the Punjab. She was always lovely, but outrageously fast. Four years ago she ran away with an officer up in Cashmere. Mrs. Hancock, who is staying with us, knew all about it and nearly had a fit last evening when she saw the notorious Mrs. de Lacy taking the principal part in Mother's theatricals."
"Oh, Dolly," I gasped, "it cannot be true!"
"But it is," she reiterated, "and the case was so scandalous and shameless, that the Hancocks are astonished that she had the audacity ever to return to India. They say she is already beginning in her old style, turning the heads of young men, and having horrid little card parties. It is a fearful shock for the whole station. Mother has written to her. There will be no theatricals, the notice has been posted up on the board this morning. Of course she must have got hold of you under false pretences. Mother says you are to come to us at once. W. will send down for your things."
"It's all very dreadful," I said. "I feel completely stunned. Still, I don't think I ought to leave Mrs. Hayes-Billington like that."
"But you must, my dear," urged Dolly imperatively. "It is too dreadful for a girl like you to be associated with such a person. What an impostor she is! Poor Mrs. Wray is in a state of collapse--fainting fits; the doctor has been to see her. The committee have taken Mrs. Hayes-Billington's name off the list in the library and the club, and the sooner she takes herself out of Silliram the better! Come into the club with me," continued Dolly; "I want to fetch my scarf, and I will walk back with you to 'The Dovecot,' and, if you like, help you to put your things together?"