Page:Neuroomia.djvu/237

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
I ENJOY A PROLONGED HOLIDAY.
225

display of hypocrisy and affectation indulged in on many occasions by my own people (I regret to admit it) when paying tribute to their representatives and politicians.

Here I parted with my friend, who took his departure with his brothers to his mother's residence. In the meantime I drove off with Unaloplo, and became his guest. I felt very much out of sorts by our rapid transit. However, I had a glorious sleep, and woke up after a longer repose than usual, feeling soothed and refreshed, and with an inclination to see and learn as much as I could about this romantic territory.

According to previous arrangement, I met and went abroad with Yeyema, who was unusually taciturn, while I, on the contrary, felt excessively delighted at the dreamy beauties of Lake Yannawanya and the vicinity.

After leaving the city, we walked along its banks for some distance, then, turning into a wood, began to ascend a slight eminence. Here Yeyema broke the silence. "I have come here on a rather sad mission," he said; "to visit the grave of my father, and, perhaps, should have left Yacla alone on this occasion, as I always do. However, as you are here, I shall feel a relief in telling you my story."