Isobel, indeed, was in full sympathy with the Doctor, for she, too,
was disappointed at Bathurst's sudden departure. She had looked
forward to learning a good deal from him about the native customs
and ways, and had intended to have a long talk with him. She was
perhaps, too, more interested generally in the man himself than
she would have been willing to admit.
That evening the party went to an entertainment at Bithoor. Isobel
and the girls were delighted with the illuminations of the gardens
and with the palace itself, with its mixture of Eastern splendor
and European luxury. But Isobel did not altogether enjoy the evening.
"I suppose I ought to congratulate you on your success last night,
Isobel," Dr. Wade said, when he dropped in after breakfast. "Everyone
has been telling me that the Rajah paid you the greatest attention,
and that there is the fiercest gnashing of teeth among what must
now be called the ex-queens of the station."
"I don't know who told you such nonsense, Doctor," Isobel replied
hotly. "The Rajah quite spoilt the evening for me. I have been
telling Mrs. Hunter so. If we had not been in his own house, I
should have told him that I should enjoy the evening very much more
if he would leave me alone and let me go about and look quietly at
the place and the gardens, which are really beautiful. No doubt he
is pleasant enough, and I suppose I ought to have felt flattered
at his walking about with me and so on, but I am sure I did not.
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