As they had anticipated my arrival, the two ladies were arrayed in their most costly apparel; being determined to exhibit themselves to me in true Indian splendour.
The Baboo also conducted me to the inner apartments looking into the courtyard.

Some of these were furnished only with carpets and pillows, the Hindoos not being, in general, partial to chairs or beds; in others, were different pieces of European furniture, such as, tables, chairs, presses, and even bedsteads.

A glass case containing dolls, coaches, horses, and other toys, was pointed out to me with peculiar satisfaction; both children and women are very fond of playing with these things, though the women are more passionately fond of cards.
No married woman is allowed to enter the rooms looking out upon the street, as she might be seen by a man from the opposite windows.
The young bride, however, profited by her freedom, and tripping before us to the open window, glanced into the busy street.
The wives of the rich Hindoos, or of those belonging to the higher castes, are as much confined to their houses as the Chinese women.
The only pleasure that the husband's strictness permits the wife to enjoy, is to pay a visit, now and then, in a carefully closed palanquin, to some friend or relation.

It is only during the short time that a woman remains unmarried that she is allowed rather more freedom.
A Hindoo may have several wives; there are, however, but few examples of his availing himself of this privilege.
The husband's relations generally reside in the same house, but each family has its separate household.

The elder boys take their meals with their father, but the wife, daughters, and younger boys are not allowed this privilege.