LITERATURE.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1757, 7 October 1879, Page 3

LITERATURE.

A STOEY OF AN INDIAN EACKMBET. ( Continued.) ‘ She does not care for him, anyhow,’ ho muttered confidently to himself, as, by the light of a passing lamp, he saw nnques tionable indifference to the gallant Captain’s power of making himself agreeable revealed on Oissy’s face ; and vaulting lightly on hia horse, ha to ,k a sharp canter across the grass, then pulling up to an easy trot went, meditating, home. ‘ Ha, and what dance am I to be honored with this auspicious evening ?’ _ Captain Lambert had asked, whilst caressing a care fullly reared moustache. ‘ 1 think we are already engaged for the second waltz,’ Cissy answered stiffly. ‘ Oh, yes ; but you can afford than one for vie,' continued the Captain insinuatingly. •Cissy will, I am sure, be delighted to dance as many as you like, Captain Lambert, Mrs Campbell (remarked, smiling sweetly. * Then the fourth. Miss Campbell, if you please.’ ‘ Sorry I am engaged,’ she said shortly. ‘To whom?’ asked her mother, frowning. ‘ To Mr Burton,’ replied the girl, coloring; disdaining, yet feeling much inclined, to evado the question. ‘ Mr Burton can, I think, bo easily disposed of. It is rather presuming in these young men to push themselves forward so early in the evening,’ said Mrs Campbell, angrily. ‘ Oh, I should not dream of disappointing Mr Burton. Burton—who Is he ? Haven’t

must be to dance with these young apes! Tea, very presuming, shockingly so; but perhaps youM give me the fifth, Misi Campbell?’ ‘Fifth waltz? Would you not prefer a square dance, Captain Lambert ? My third quadrille is not filled up.’ ‘ Third quadrille, oh certainly ; lam not engaged. May I have the pleasure ?’ And he tried to look sentimentally sweet, and succeeded In looking simply Idiotic. ‘I shall be most happy,’ replied Cissy carelessly. ‘ Had wo not better be going, mamma ? I am weary to get home,’ she added. Captain Lambert never dreamed of the words containing a hint, the idea would have been preposterous. Mrs Campbell simply frowned. ‘And what have you been busy with, Alice, dear ?’ asked Mrs Ricart, with a would-be tender smile. She had been sitting in solemn silence for some time, whilst Alice had been flirting vigorously over her side of the carriage, much to the disgust of Mrs Campbell, who sat facing her. ‘ Are your dances all filled up also ?’ ‘ All excepting the fourth waltz for ever so far down,’ answered Alice, returning the affectionate glance—they kept these looks on view]as tradesmen do their choice wares—of course she bad heard no discussion about that waltz, she never did hear what was going on one side, whilst busy on another. ‘ The fourth wa’tz ! Might I be honored with it ? I do not think you have favored me with a single dance. Miss Ricart, ’ simpered the captain. ‘ Not honored you ! Why it was you who would not honor me, you cruel man!’ answered Miss Ricart, with a lively sroh look. ‘ I shall be most delighted ; thank you very much. I know how to appreciate it, I can assure you. You are in such demand, I know,’ and she cast a swift coquelish glance at him and turned away. ‘So the de pised daice has been dispos d of after all,’cooed Mrs Ricart. If they did wish to put Captain Lambert cut of conceit with Cissy’s manner, it could scarcely be detected, could it, nnder the garb of the affectionate aunt and cousin, who welcomed him for the dear girl’s sake ? As they conversed, the throng of carriages had been gradually thinning, and but few were left, as Cissy at last heard the welcome order given to return home. The driver gathered up his reins, the syers jumped to their perches behind, and, with a sigh of relief she sank back among the cushions, as ithey bowled away softly over the turf towards the lamp-lit bazaars. Unconscious of the dark faces and strange sights with which she had already become familiar, she was borne through the lighted streets, the bazaars, to picturesque and weird when the glare of the sun is not there to show their filth and wretchedness, when the roads that have been so dusty, so baking hot, are still moist and cool from their artificial shower. Away beyond to opener country the carriage glided, where the stars and the moons and the trees overshadowed them, among the camp and the bungalows dispersed all over the station, and full to overflowing for the next few days with those who meet and mingle and welcome one another for a short time, united by the common bond that they are strangers in a strange land. And the turfy stretch they have left behind becomes once more desolate and bare ; the last of the stragglers leaves it, the moon rises softly over it. the stars shimmer down into the lake, the light winds ripple the silvery surface ot the waters. Save the sound of the whispering reeds, not a murmur is heard, not a trace of life is left, not an echo is heard of the merry voices that filled the air with laughter but a short while before. The carriage which contained Mrs Campbell, Mrs Ricart, and their daughters, turned finally into the compound of a largo bungalow, where several tents, and a large semiana (or open tent, f urnisned like a room, but with no walls), were pitched. Here dusky figures with lights would be seen gliding about, and in the semiana several ladles and gentlemen were already seated, chatting and laughing, or refreshing themselves with cool drinks. Others followed in carriages or on horseback, guests who like themselves had been riding or driving on the coarse, and now discussed the neighbours they had met, or their own affairs, till it was time to dress for their late dinner, and the ball which was to take place that evening. By ones and twos they soon slipped away again, the gentlemen to the tents which had been provided for their riding or sleeping accommodation, the ladies to the accommodation afforded by the bungalow. Let us follow the two cousins as they retired to the room which they were to share together, where their native women already awaited them, and ball dresses had been spread out on their beds ready. Cissy submitted herself at once to the hands of the ayah, Alice flitted about restlessly awhile, and chatted unceasingly as she pulled out ribbons and flowers to try which would best suit her olive complexion; ever and anon caressing and fawning on her cousin, a proceeding she would still have persisted in had she even known how the recipient shrank from it. The two girls are a great contrast as we see them together by the bright light of the wall lamps. Cissy is tall, and calm, and stately ; Alice slight, short, and lively. The lips of the one are full, sweet, and firm, those of the other thin and tight, the short upper .lip continually parting over pearlywhite teeth. Neither has much color, but Cissy’s complexion is delicately-tinted and pale, whilst Alice’s is a clear olive, beneath which the crimson glows often warmly. The one wears her hair in golden-brown twists about the crown of her head, the other in an intricate mass of soft silky braids. Alice’s eyes are sharp and near, glowing black eyes that sparkle bewitchingly and confuse one often; Cissy’s, a soft violet blue, with a calm tranquil look in their depths. Both are beauties in their way. ‘Ah, you are going to wear white tonight, Cissy ; you always look so well in white ; and these frosted flowers are beautiful. Now I need more color 5 should I wear scarlet or maize flowers, do you think ?’ said Alice.

‘Maize, to-night, with that black net—at least if you do not lose your color as you so often do,’answered her cousin. ‘But you can easily change the flowers after dinner if yon do need something brighter. ’ Now chatting quietly, now continuing silently, the two girls had almost completed their toilet when a knock was heard at the door. ‘ Come in,’ they called. A native woman, in her picturesque garb, lifted the curtain before the door, and entered. Gleaming black eyes and ivory teeth lit up the dark face, which glowed beneath the graceful white cheddar which native women wear, as she salaamed profoundly to one cousin, then to the other. * What is it, Mahajunia ?’ asked Alice ‘ Does mamma want me f* * The Maam Sahib sends her salaams to the Mus Baba, and wishes to speak to her, answered the woman in Hindostanee. * All right; tell her I’ll come,’ replied Alice, in the same language ; and taking the rest of her flowers, &c , in her hand, she stepped out by an open window into the verandah, and walking along nearly the whole length of the house, tapped at another window and entered her mother’s room, * What is it mamma ? Do you want your flowers fixed ? These stupid native women can do nothing right,’ she said. ‘ No, no, Alice dear,’ answered Mrs Eicart * The mail letters have just come in from the factory, and there is one this week from your aunt Jane.’ ‘ Ha, and what hat she to say to it ? Eecommends scales and calisthenics, combined with as speedy and brilliant a marriage as circumstances will allow, I suppose.’ ‘ Well, well, but my letter has something really important in it. 1 * Indeed!’

• Yes ; listen. Hem I Where is it ?’ muttered Mrs Ricart, running her finger over several closely written pages. ‘Jane does write such a lot of twaddle, to be sure ! Ah, here I “ By the bye, did you meet a young fellow—Burton —on board ? Mrs Somerville has a lady from the country visiting her, who knows a lad of that name who went out to a situation In Calcutta by your steamer. He has just come in for a fine estate, and no end of money, from the grumpy old grand uncle who sent him out, and with whom, it seems, he was a favourite, though he never guessed it. I don’t suppose you would dream of cultivating his acquaintance on board; but we were just thinking what a grand chance it might have been for Alice and Cissy, and that yon might encourage any opportunity of meeting hfin again. Yon can give my news this mall to Hmily,” &o.’ Mrs Ricart had been lying luxuriously back in a low chair as she read ; she folded her letter In silence. Alice’s face had become more and more surprised j at the end she elevated her eyebrows, and whistled

* Alice, I wish you would not do that; it is ao unladylike,’* said the mother reproachfully. “Ah, bosh! But Burton will be a fine catch.’ ‘ Yea ; much better than Lambert.’ ‘Then I am to give up all idea of the one and try the other, eh ? Is that the little game Y * Don’t speak so vulgarly, Alice. You understand that your aunt wishes Cissy to encourage Captain Lambert, and that Mr Burton would be an excellent parti. You have your own way to make in the world, as your aunt and I had; and you know what a stupid choice I made (not but what your father seemed well enough off at one time) ; and. on the contrary, you see what an excellent position your aunt enjoys, with plenty of money and as the wife of a judge. I should advise you to make yourselves agreeable to Mr Burton, and leave Cissy to the man her mother wishes her to marry,’ ‘And which j j the doesn’t,’ said Alice bluntly. ‘ Absurdity I She’s very insipid, and won’t care. * Still waters run deep, you know.’ ‘Fiddlesticks! Don’t be sentimental. Do you mean to let the chance slip ?’ ‘ No, not I. I daresay you’ll help me.’ ‘Of course, with pleasure ; I am glad to see you so sensible. In the first place, you must make yourself look nice. You do look rather well to-night; but you want something brighter in your hair.’ ‘I should not object to your opal aigrette,’ said Alice coolly. ‘ Well, then, you must take care of it and to Alice’s astonishment the jewel was willingly produced and fastened in her hair, where the weird lights shimmered beautifully. ‘ Yes, you’ll do, said her mother approvingly. ‘ls not that Cissy’s voice in the drawingroom ?’ •Yes; and the great Lambert is sure to join her. I suppese I teed not go in, eh ?’ ‘No,’ said Mrs Ricatt, with answering smile. ‘We will go in to Emily’s room a little, and tell her some of Jane’s news—only forget the letter. She can see it some other day, you know.’ Alice shrugged her shoulders callously, and followed her mother. Meanwhile Cissy had glided into the draw-ing-room in a soft cloud of white, her eyes deep and mellow, her cheeks glowing, and a glad tremor away deep down beneath the serene exterior. When the gallant Captain joined her and requested a song, in the little interval before dinner, she had poured the words out with full expression, glad to be free from talking to him, and to relieve the muttarings of her heart in music. Captain Lambert was still standing behind her with a simpering smile, congratulating himself on the rich voice and handsome figure of his future bride, when the guests began to flock in, all dressed for the evening’s amusement. Chapter 11. THE BAIiXi. Lalseria, the residence of the Raj of Ouchuahigar, who permitted a part of his palace to be thrown open for the convenience of those who wished to get up dances in the station, was alive with life and light as Mrs Campbell and her party entered. She swept into the ballroom on her husband’s arm, who led Cissy, pure and white as a stately snowy lily, on the other. A large room stretching across the end of the building, and surrounded on three sides by a verandah, was the chief apartment ussd on such occasions as the present. Bright candelabras blazing with light were suspended from a gorgeous arched roof, and mirrors and doors alternated all round the room. In the centre stood two large pillars, dividing the area into two equal parts ; the nearer half was softly carpeted, and furnished luxuriously with low couches and chairs; but beyond the pillars, the floor was waxed and shining, unencumbered by couch or other article of furniture which might impede the progress of tho dancers. The verandah, to which doors led on all sides, was curtained in to the right and beyond, and used partly as a supperroom, partly for the musicians ;"but in front of the building it was free and open, and here tetes-a-tete and flirtations were carried on, and heated dancers retired for a breath of the cool night-air. The first dance was almost over as Cissy arrived ; but her partner soon appeared to claim her for what remained of it. Round the room she glided gracefully and calmly, but ever and anon the golden-brown lashes were lifted, and the violet eyes gazed quietly over her partner’s shoulder, seeking for a face that would not be banished from her mind. At last a sweet smile of recognition parted her lips, and as a faint tinge of color mounted to the snowy brow, Graham Burton’s heart beat gladly, and the blood flowed swifter through his veins, Mrs Campbell and her sister ware sitting aide by aide; Alice was busy dancing. ‘ There is that young fellow Burton, Emily,’ said Mrs Blcart. ‘Do you know, I think you should be careful about dear Cissy, she has a decided liking for the young fellow. I did not say much on the course this evening, for you know open opposition only makes a girl more obstinate ; but I am vexed to see that he should have followed her from Calcutta. I was quite anxious, I can assure you, on board,’ ‘ What nonsense, Ann! Cissy would never be such a fool. 1 * Hem! you think so ; but you will see your mistake yet. You see she refused Captain Lambert the fourth waltz because of him.’ * Yes. I was so angry, I felt inclined to forbid her dancing with Mr Burton at all.’ * That would be a mistake, dear; believe me she will think the more of him, if you oppose her. ’ ‘ But what can one do ?’ asked Mrs Campbell peevishly. ‘Ah, a great many things can be managed quite quietly, Emily; for instance, you who so often have fainting fits might fancy yourself ill at the time she wanted to dance with him, and call herjaway.’ * Well, but she would only dance with him again.’ ‘ Ah, but then supposing I took the trouble to make him believe that she avoided him purposely, and were to get Alice to flirt with him, and make Cissy jealous. Then if we could keep up the misunderstanding, the thing would soon be knocked on the head. Indeed, I would seem to encourage him to the house, and be kind to him; and the more Alice and he are together, tho more Cissy is likely to encourage Captain Lambert.’ {To ie continued .)