"
He cursed the koel, for the gentle mood had slipped from Elizabeth. He
had hoped that she would have spoken of yesterday, give him a shamed
solace for the hurt she had given him. Of course Hodson would have
told her all about the Gulab. But while that, the service, was
sufficient for the Resident, Elizabeth would consider the fact that
Barlow knew Bootea well enough to have this service rendered; it would
touch her caste--also her exacting nature.
Something like this was floating through his mind as he groped mentally
for an explanation of Elizabeth's attitude, the effect of which was
neutral; nothing to draw him toward her in a way of moral sustaining,
but also, nothing to antagonise him.
She must know that he was leaving on a dangerous mission; but she did
not bring it up. Perhaps with her usual diffident reserve she felt
that it was his province to speak of that.
At any rate she called to a hovering bearer telling him to give his
master Captain Barlow's salaams. Then with the flowers she passed into
the bungalow. She had quite a proppy, military stride, bred of much
riding.
Pages:
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192