in European fashion."

"We would remain here, brother," Mrs. Holland said, "rather than bring
danger upon you. Dick could learn the ways of the country here, as
well as with you, and could start on his search without going to
Tripataly."

"Not at all, Margaret. Whether you are with me or not, I shall have to
leave Tripataly when Tippoo advances, and your presence will not in
any way affect my plans. My wife and sons must travel with me, and one
woman and boy, more or less, will make no difference. At present, this
scheme of yours seems to me to border on madness. But we need not
discuss that now. I shall, at any rate, be very glad to have you both
with me. The English side of me has been altogether in the background,
since you went away; and though I keep up many of the customs our
mother introduced, I have almost forgotten the tongue, though I force
myself to speak it, sometimes, with my boys, as I am sure that, in the
long run, the English will become the sole masters of southern India,
and it will be a great advantage to them to speak the language.

"However, I have many other things to see about, and the companionship
of Dick will benefit them greatly. You know what it always is out
here. The sons of a rajah are spoilt, early, by every one giving way
to them, and their being allowed to do just as they like. Naturally,
they get into habits of indolence and self indulgence, and never have
occasion to exert themselves, or to obtain the strength and activity
that make our mother's countrymen irresistible in battle. They have
been taught to shoot and to ride, but they know little else, and I am
sure it will do them an immense deal of good to have Dick with them,
for a time.

"If nothing comes of this search for your husband, I hope you will
take up your residence, permanently, at Tripataly. You have nothing to
go back to England for, and Dick, with his knowledge of both
languages, should be able to find good employment in the Company's
service."

"Thank you greatly, brother. If, as you say, my quest should come to
nothing, I would gladly settle down in my old home. Dick's
inclinations, at present, turn to the sea, but I have no doubt that
what you say is true, and that there may be far more advantageous
openings for him out here. However, that is a matter for us to talk
over, in the future."

The Rajah stayed four days at Madras. Every morning the carriage came
at nine o'clock to fetch Mrs. Holland, who spent se