n a short time they
would be occupied by his captain's own Memsahib and the Generailly
Sahib's Miss, they having, of their great condescension accepted his
hospitality by the gracious favour of the Captain Sahib himself.

"According to this fashion, are all things made ready, O Fatma Bibi,
when there is a tea-drinking in the bungalows of Sahibs," he
announced, for the enlightenment of his wife, who had seen little of
the world beyond the four mud walls roofed by her private patch of
sky, and therefore could not be expected to have accurate acquaintance
with the mysterious ways of Sahibs.

Fatma Bibi acknowledged the information with just such a nod as a
mother might bestow on a contented child. Despite her limited
experience of the outer world, she knew herself many degrees wiser
than her husband in matters of far greater moment than the setting out
of a few plates and cups after the manner of the Sahib-log, who, in
respect of food and feeding are completely and comprehensively
"without sense," as all India knows.

"Bear in mind also," the man went on, sublimely unconscious of his
wife's indulgent attitude, "that the Memsahib knoweth the simplest
words of Hindostani only; but Meredith Miss Sahib will render our
speech unto her, making all things clear. Behold--they come."

The sound of hoofs, and the thud of a "dandy" set down outside
confirmed his words; and not many minutes later the Jemadar ushered
two Englishwomen into the presence of his wife,--Evelyn, looking more
flower-like than usual, in a many-frilled gown of creamy muslin and a
big simple hat to match.

"By the goodness of the Captain Sahib's heart my house is honoured
beyond deserving," the man gave them greeting as they crossed the
threshold, while Fatma Bibi's eyes rested in frank curiosity upon the
exceeding whiteness and simplicity of the English "Mem," whose
appearance was so direct a contrast to her own.

"Without doubt these women of _Belait_[10] possess no true beauty,"
she assured herself, with a nod of satisfaction, as she resumed her
seat and the new-comers accepted their appointed chairs.

[10] England.

It was a strange meal, and Evelyn Desmond was, in all respects, the
least happy of the oddly assorted quartette. She made a conscientious,
if not very successful, effort to drink the pale block tea, and eat
the strange mixture of foods pressed upon her by the Jemadar, who
would obviously feel disheartened if his guests did not empty all