the midst of an appalling dream, looked up into the eager
countenance of a number of the natives, who were bending over me.

It was broad day; and the house was nearly filled with young
females, fancifully decorated with flowers, who gazed upon me as
I rose with faces in which childish delight and curiosity were
vividly portrayed. After waking Toby, they seated themselves
round us on the mats, and gave full play to that prying
inquisitiveness which time out of mind has been attributed to the
adorable sex.

As these unsophisticated young creatures were attended by no
jealous duennas, their proceedings were altogether informal, and
void of artificial restraint. Long and minute was the
investigation with which they honoured us, and so uproarious
their mirth, that I felt infinitely sheepish; and Toby was
immeasurably outraged at their familiarity.

These lively young ladies were at the same time wonderfully
polite and humane; fanning aside the insects that occasionally
lighted on our brows; presenting us with food; and
compassionately regarding me in the midst of my afflictions. But
in spite of all their blandishments, my feelings of propriety
were exceedingly shocked, for I could but consider them as having
overstepped the due limits of female decorum.

Having diverted themselves to their hearts' content, our young
visitants now withdrew, and gave place to successive troops of
the other sex, who continued flocking towards the house until
near noon; by which time I have no doubt that the greater part of