"I think we will move up closer to your friends," he said; "I see two
empty seats behind them. Our people can't stick this for more than
three or four hours."

"How have you been getting on?" inquired Sophy, "and how do you like
Burma?"

"Burma suits me down to the ground; I like it most awfully. I've been
very busy learning my job, but I've seen a good deal outside business
hours."

"What have you seen?"

"Oh, well, wrestling, tattooing and cock-fights; I have been once up
the river as far as Prome, and to several native shows, including a
funeral."

"How have you managed that?"

"Salter, a fellow in our house, took me; the funeral was a strange
affair--not a bit like ours; everyone in gala clothes, great feasting
and a band in the house; altogether a lively entertainment. When a man
is dying, his friends come and gather round and cheer him, and tell him
of all the good deeds he has done in his lifetime. At the graveside
there is an extraordinary business with a silk handkerchief, in which
the nearest relation is supposed to catch and enclose the departed
spirit, now in the form of a white butterfly--and dangerous to mortals
for seven days and nights. I have seen a good deal of native life
already."

"How lucky you are!" exclaimed the girl; "and I've seen nothing but
Germans."

"Salter has taken me about and naturally he has extra opportunities,
being married to a Burmese."

"Married to a Burmese?" echoed Sophy; her tone was incredulous.

"Yes. At one time it was quite a common thing. Mrs. Salter--her real
name is Mee Lay--is sitting over there in about the fifth row back,
behind the fellow with the scarlet handkerchief twisted round his head.
Presently you must turn and look at her. She is a nice, cheery woman,
and Salter is an interesting, original sort of man. I dine with them
now and then. Mee Lay is uncommonly businesslike--has a good deal of
land and a flourishing rice concern."

"She has? How amazing!"

"I see you don't know much of Burma yet."

"No; so far I am only acquainted with the bazaar prices, the gorgeous
flowers, delicious fruit and futurist insects!"

"Well, women do most of the business and do it well; the men are a
lazy, loafing lot; very genial and sporting, fond of cock-fighting and
gambling--absolutely regardless of expense or debt. Mrs. Salter is
rich; if you will look round now you will see her--the little woman
with the yellow fan and diamond comb; notice her bl