[Continuation of Stern’s composition.]
The Resident of Bantam introduced the Regent and the Controller to the new Assistant Resident. Havelaar courteously saluted both these functionaries; the Controller (there is always something painful in meeting a new superior) he placed at once at his ease with a few friendly words, as if he wished immediately to introduce a sort of familiarity that would make intercourse easy. With the Regent his meeting was as it ought to be with a person entitled to a gold payong,[1] at the same time his younger brother. With grave affability he rebuked his too great civility, which had brought him, in such weather, to the confines of his district, which, according to the rules of etiquette, the Regent was not bound to do.
“Indeed, Mr. Adhipatti, I am angry with you for having given yourself so much trouble on my account.I thought I should see you first at Rankas-Betong.”
- ↑ Payong = umbrella. A mark of distinction in the East,—a gold one being the highest.
