Here he was introduced to the merchant's wife, and to
his daughter, a girl of some thirteen years old, as well as to several
guests who had arrived for dinner.
The meal was a pleasant one, and Charlie, after being cooped up for
some weeks on board ship, enjoyed it much. A dinner in India is, to
one unaccustomed to it, a striking sight. The punkah waving slowly to
and fro, overhead, drives the cool air which comes in through the open
windows down upon the table. Each guest brings his own servant, who,
either in white or coloured robes, and in turbans of many different
hues and shapes, according to the wearer's caste, stands behind his
master's chair. The light is always a soft one, and the table richly
garnished with bright-coloured tropical flowers.
Charlie was the hero of the hour, and was asked many questions
concerning the capture of Suwarndrug; and also about the defence of
Ambur, which, though now an old story, had excited the greatest
interest through India. Presently, however, the conversation turned to
local topics; and Charlie learned, from the anxious looks and earnest
tones of the speakers, that the situation was considered a very
serious one. He asked but few questions, then; but after the guests
had retired, and Mr.
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