n.' But on second thoughts, I
remembered my duty to my proprietor. Journalism first: inclination
afterwards! My letter from Egypt on the rescue of the Englishwoman who
escaped from Khartoum had brought me great _eclat_ as a special
correspondent, and the _Daily Telephone_ now billed my name in big
letters on its placards, so Mr. Elworthy wrote me. Here was another
noble chance; must I not strive to rise to it? Two English ladies at a
native court in Rajputana! that ought to afford scope for some rattling
journalism!

'It is extremely kind of you,' I said, hesitating, 'and it would give us
great pleasure, were it feasible, to accept your friendly offer.
But--English ideas, you know, prince! Two unprotected women! I hardly
see how we could come alone to Moozuffernuggar, unchaperoned.'

The Maharajah's face lighted up; he was evidently flattered that we
should even thus dubiously entertain his proposal. 'Oh, I've thought
about that, too,' he answered, growing more colloquial in tone. 'I've
been some days in Bombay, making inquiries and preparations. You see,
you had not informed the authorities of your intended visit, so that you
were travelling _incognito_--or should it be _incognita_?--and if
Tillington hadn't written to let me know your movements, you might have
arrived at this port without anybody's knowing it, and have been
compelled to take refuge in an hotel on landing.' He spoke as if we had
been accustomed all our lives long to be received with red cloth by the
Mayor and Corporation, and presented with illuminated addresses and the
freedom of the city in a gold snuff-box. 'But I have seen to all that.
The Acting-Governor's aide-de-camp will be down before long, and I have
arranged that if you consent a little later to honour my humble roof in
Rajputana with your august presence, Major Balmossie and his wife will
accompany you and chaperon you. I have lived in England: of course I
understand that two English ladies of your rank and position cannot
travel alone--as if you were Americans. But Mrs. Balmossie is a nice
little soul, of unblemished character'--that sweet touch charmed
me--'received at Government House'--he had learned the respect due to
Mrs. Grundy--'so that if you will accept my invitation, you may rest
assured that everything will be done with the utmost regard to the--the
unaccountable prejudices of Europeans.'

His thoughtfulness took me aback. I thanked him warmly. He unbent at my
thanks. 'And I