"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.
"But mind, uncle," she said, "I do not retract my opinion.

What the Rajah really is I don't pretend to know, but I am quite sure that the character of a smiling host is not his real one, and that for some reason or other he is simply playing a part." "I had no idea that you were such a prejudiced little woman," the Major said, somewhat vexed; "but as it is no use arguing with you we had better drop the subject." For the next month Cawnpore suffered a little from the reaction after the gayety of the races, but there was no lack of topics of conversation, for the rumors of disaffection among the troops gained in strength, and although nothing positive was known, and everyone scoffed at the notion of any serious trouble, the subject was so important a one that little else was talked of whenever parties of the ladies got together..