The visit was but a short one. The Rajah soon took his leave.
"You are wrong altogether, Isobel," the Doctor said. "I have returned
to my conviction that the Rajah is a first rate fellow."
"That is just because he offered you some shooting, Doctor," Isobel
said indignantly. "I thought better of you than to suppose that
you could be bought over so easily as that."
"She had you there, Doctor," the Major laughed. "However, I am glad
that you will no longer be backing her in her fancies."
"Why did you accept his invitation for us to go over and lunch
there, uncle?" Isobel asked, in a tone of annoyance.
"Because there was no reason in the world why we should refuse, my
dear. He very often has luncheon parties, and after that he will
show you over the place, and exhibit his jewels and curiosities.
He said there would be other ladies there, and I have no doubt we
shall have a very pleasant day."
Even Isobel was obliged to confess that the visit was a pleasant
one. The Nana had asked Mrs. Cromarty, her daughters, and most of
the other ladies of the regiment, with their husbands. The lunch
was a banquet, and after it was over the parties were taken round
the place, paid a visit to the Zenana, inspected the gardens and
stables, and were driven through the park. The Nana saw that Isobel
objected to be particularly noticed, and had the tact to make his
attentions so general that even she could find no fault with him.
On the drive back she admitted to her uncle that she had enjoyed
her visit very much, and that the Rajah's manners were those of a
perfect gentleman.
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