Page:Letters from India Vol 2.pdf/167

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LETTERS FROM INDIA.
155

health of his own accord in such a funny, sedate way. I wanted to see if he had ‘made a rule’ about that, so I said, ‘Frank, your health.’ ‘You have no wine in your glass,’ he said demurely. I took some wine and said again, ‘Frank, your health.’ He waited quietly till George took up a glass, and then made one of his grandest bows and said, ‘Lord Auckland’s health,’ without looking at me.

I drove yesterday to Mrs. Wilson’s school, about six miles off, and went quite by myself, that I might have a good talk with her, which seemed to strike her as an odd, independent measure. Don’t you drive about alone quite safely? My two little girls looked so nice and happy, and ran out from the school instantly, and never left their hold of my gown all the time I was there, and did so want to come away with me, which is a proof native children are not so indifferent as people say. They have begun their Christian education so far as kneeling down with all the rest of the school, when Mrs. Wilson said the prayer before the school dispersed, and putting their little fat hands up. I am afraid my jemadar’s Mussulman’s feelings must have been dreadfully