not be inappropriate, since he is more worthy of pity than of condemnation.
Our first experience of poor Eurasians was in the almshouses belonging to the cathedral district. Here old people were provided with a room and a dole of money, which they spoke of as their pension, regardless of the true meaning of the word. The women earned a little extra money by doing plain needlework. They were expected, both men and women, to attend the daily services at the cathedral. They were without exception gentle creatures, grateful for any notice, and full of self-pity. Any little gift of clothes or money that came in their way was eagerly accepted. Begging was strictly forbidden. It must often have been a sore trial to refrain from this favourite pastime of the poor Eurasian. Begging seems to be a second nature with them, and it comes as easy as purring to a cat.
There was a certain Mrs. Brewer at Bangalore when I was there, who begged round the officers' quarters regularly. Nothing but death would have stopped her; and for all I know her ample figure may still be familiar to the young men. When the 21st Hussars were stationed at Bangalore, the officers soon became used to the sight of Mrs. Brewer, standing among the ferns and crotons of the front verandah, and to the sound of her plaintive voice. They gave her relief, pitying her condition of widowhood and destitution. In course of time their pity was mingled with ire. The whining voice, pouring forth the same old tale, fell on their ears at inopportune moments, and her visits were often a serious interruption to the occupation of the day.
One of the young men, more practical and energetic than the rest, determined to take the old lady in hand. He questioned her as to how much she needed to support herself in comfort. Mrs. Brewer was taken aback by this
