I believe him to be a sincere patriot, and that he only desires to be at the head of the administration of affairs that he may prevent civil war from breaking out, and to thwart the ambition of the great princes.

His tastes are simple, his house is furnished plainly, he cares nothing for the pleasures of the table; but he is honest and, I believe, absolutely truthful--qualities which certainly are possessed by very few men in the Deccan.
"I grant that he is not disposed to enter into any alliance with the British.

He has frequently told me that he admires them greatly for their straightforwardness and truthfulness, as well as for their bravery and their methods of government, both in the great towns and in the districts in which they are masters; but he fears that, were they to send an army to Poona on his behalf, or on that of any of the other parties, it might end by their acquiring control over the affairs of the country, and make them arbitrators in all disputes." "No doubt he is right, there," the Governor said, with a smile.
"However, at present we are certainly not likely to interfere in the quarrels and intrigues beyond the Ghauts; nor do I see why we should be brought into collision with the Mahrattas--at any rate, until they have ceased to quarrel among themselves, and unite under one master.

In that case, they might make another effort to turn us out.
"And now we will go into the room where the Council must be, by this time, assembled." This proved to be the case, and the Governor read to them the note that he had received from Mr.Uhtoff; and then requested Harry to repeat the details, as fully as he had already done.

There was a consensus of opinion as to the importance of the news.
"Come round again tomorrow morning, Mr.Lindsay," the Governor said; "by that time I shall have fully thought the matter out." "So you have been masquerading as a native again, Mr.Lindsay ?" the colonel said, when Harry called upon him.
"I can hardly consider it masquerading, as I merely resumed the dress I wore for many years; and I certainly speak Mahratti vastly better than I speak English for, although I improved a good deal while I was here, I am conscious that, though my grammar may be correct, my pronunciation differs a good deal from that of my comrades." "You speak English wonderfully well, considering that you learned it from the natives," the colonel said.