That is very precious! [_Takes it and puts it down on table_ R.] But I'll tell you one thing more. Father has made things harder for the ordinary officials, especially for residents. It is practically impossible to come up to his standard. A man who first conquered and then ruled the most savage and turbulent tribes in India without ever letting his lowest subordinate do an oppressive act, a man with that extraordinary power of making others obey him----
[_She is now back again at the table and does not see_ CARLYON, _who enters at this moment_.
[_Continuing._] Ah, Adene, you are most welcome! So you've taken my answer for granted. That's right.
I thought I might venture. I have so little time before starting for India. [_They shake hands._
You must give us all you can spare of it. It must be two years since we were all at Rothesay.
At any rate she has resumed the friendship where it was broken off. Making you tidy her books, I see, and scolding you as you do it!
[ADENE _continues putting the books away_.
I interrupted her; and worse, she took me for a champion of the Baboo!
She never forgives an interruption. That is why I always have the general tea in her room. By-the-bye, Vera, before I forget, you're to give away the prizes at the Y.M.C.A. Shooting Club.
Thursday next: eleven A.M. It'll take most of the day. But what is this about India and the black man? I heard noble sentiments as I came in.
Mr. Adene says that he expects to find----
That _if_ I find a British official guilty of unfair behaviour----
I want you to make him feel the difficulties.
And I claim that you for one have conquered the very worst difficulties without ever acquiescing in wrong to a native.
[_Coolly; sitting down in chair by the tea-table._] Both of you wrong, quite wrong. I never knew any real difficulties, and I often wrong people--natives and others. What do you call a wrong?
Roughly, anything you wouldn't do to an Englishman in England.
[_Smiling._] Ah, but seriously, a general attitude----
I have condoned murders occasionally. On the whole I am not sure we have enough of them. I have often wished to see a man knocked on the head when nobody would do it.
_Enter_ SERVANT _with tea, and exit again_.
[_To_ ADENE, _laughing_.] Prepare to receive shocks!