In the first place, it will do you
good to be busy; and in the second place, there is nothing like
getting everything shipshape in the cabin the very first thing
after starting, then you are ready for rough weather or anything
else that may occur. I have got you a chair. I thought that very
likely you would not think of it, and a passenger without a chair
of her own is a most forlorn creature, I can tell you. When you
have done down below you will find me somewhere aft; if you should
not do so, look out for a chair with your own name on it and take
possession of it, but I think you are sure to see me."
Before they had been a fortnight at sea Isobel came to like the
Doctor thoroughly. He knew many of the passengers on board the
Byculla, and she had soon many acquaintances. She was amused at
the description that the Doctor gave her of some of the people to
whom he introduced her.
"I am going to introduce you to that woman in the severely plain
cloak and ugly bonnet. She is the wife of the Resident of Rajputana.
I knew her when her husband was a Collector."
"A Collector, Dr. Wade; what did he collect?"
"Well, my dear, he didn't collect taxes or water rates or anything
of that sort. A Collector is a civil functionary, and frequently
an important one. I used to attend her at one time when we were in
cantonments at Bhurtpore, where her husband was stationed at that
time. I pulled a tooth out for her once, and she halloaed louder
than any woman I ever heard.
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