Caste by W. A. Fraser
page 112 of 259 (43%)
page 112 of 259 (43%)
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one who came last night is in the next room and you must take her out
through the bathroom door, for there is cover of the crotons and oleanders, and then to the road. Acquire a _gharry_ and go with her to where she directs you." "Salaam, Sahib! your servant will obey. And as to the _chota hazri_, Sahib?" "By Jove! right you are, Jungwa"; for Barlow had forgotten that--the little breakfast, as it was called. Then he ran his fingers through his hair. To send the Gulab off without even a cup of tea was one thing; to admit the bearer to know of her presence was another. The wily old watchman sensed what was passing in his master's mind, and he hazarded, diplomatically, "If the One is of high caste she will not eat what is brought by the bearer who is of the Sudra caste, but from the hands of a Meena none but the Brahmin _pundits_ refuse food." Barlow laughed; indeed the grizzled one had perception--he was an accomplice in the plot of secrecy. "Good! Eggs and toast and tea. Demand plenty--say your Sahib is hungry because of a long ride and nothing to eat. But hurry, I hear the 'seven sisters' (crows) calling to sleepers that the sun is here with its warmth." Then the bearer entered, but Barlow ordered him away, saying, "Sit without till I call." |
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