first--I should have been frightened out of my life had I been
alone. It seemed to me that something dreadful was always going to
happen."

"You can take it easy this morning, Isobel," the Major said, when
they were comfortably seated in the bamboo lounges in the veranda.
"You want have any callers today, as it will be known you traveled
all night. People will imagine that you want a quiet day before
you are on show."

"What a horrid expression, uncle!"

"Well, my dear, it represents the truth. The arrival of a fresh lady
from England, especially of a 'spin,' which is short for spinster
or unmarried woman, is an event of some importance in an Indian
station. Not, of course, so much in a place like this, because
this is the center of a large district, but in a small station it
is an event of the first importance. The men are anxious to see what
a newcomer is like for herself; the women, to look at her dresses
and see the latest fashions from home, and also to ascertain whether
she is likely to turn out a formidable rival. However, today you
can enjoy quiet; tomorrow you must attire yourself in your most
becoming costume, and I will trot you round."

"Trot me round, uncle?"

"Yes, my dear. In India the order of procedure is reversed, and
newcomers call in the first place upon residents."

"What a very unpleasant custom, uncle; especially as some of the