New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-04-24
THE LIGHT OF THE PALA CE

pleasantly shaded by the dark green, ever
trembling foliage OF pipUl trees. with the ad-
CIrIOnal cool attraction OF a tank Of clear water
ID the center. partly OvergrOwn with lotus
The uelOdIOus tWItteTInC OF birds and an OC-
casioual emerald flash of a parrot wing over
head were otherwise appealing.
But IL was not the setting Of the picture that
spontaneously captured Lathams attention
His ewes became r1veted upon the figure of a
girl standing az the edge OF the tank and
apparently admIrIng her reflection IN the
water. Assuredlv. he thought. she was entitled
10 a considerable measure OF satisfaction in that
respect. He had not encountered the like OF
her N all his Eastern travels. Some Of his
little Japanese geisha friends had been well
favored enough after their kind but the classic
beauty and garb Of this Hindu maid swept IN
ITresIstIhv upon his artistic sense. Such grace
OF form emphasized by the clinging diaphanous
folds OF her pale orange sarTl Such a sym
ue--ICaIlv modelled contour. The tiny dia-
uOnd that sparlled II the lobe Of one of her
noscrls seemed entirely harmonious and 10
point the delicaCv OF that feature. He did not
doubt the dOwnCast eyes held all manner Of
mysterious UitCherv.
Latham had halted abruptly IN fear lest she
detect his presence and take 10 haStv flight
realizing that before him was his ideal for the
Kings portrait Presently she liftd a hand with
a Jingle Of bangles and tossed a few crumbs into
the water.
H1i. Ram Quick. RAM" she cried. Else
YOU VIII 90 without bread to-day
futterIng dart OF silver scales 10 the sur
face Of the water was followed by a ripple OF
laughter as the girl Chlded a particular fish
called after the great Hindu deity.
All Ram Slow RAM Your wife, Dean
has now got all the bread. Besides you have
splashed my sarl.'
SHE shook the skirt Of her garment and
- raising her head. cast her ewes upon Lat
ham But she did not set wings 20 her feet as
he thought most probable. or even hastily veil
her face ImDulsIvelv she drew a fold merely
across her mouth. but the smile She shot from
her ewes was so full Of naIvete and frank con
fidenCe that Latham would have been other
than an American had ne failed 20 reciprOcate
As he came forward she saluted him with
halt salaam Of charming grace and proceeded
20 explain the characteristics OF the holy hsh
that dwelt II the tank as II 1t was the most
natural thing IN the world for her TO talk with
a white sahb.
By degrees he drew from her part Of her
story. which perhaps accounted for her friendly
and somewhat unconventional attitude. II
appeared she was of Maratha parentage, and
Maratha women are accustomed 10 60 III pub
lie unveiled. The rObber. treebOOtlng spirit Of
the race bestowed upon the women greater in
dependence than IS found elsewhere IN India
In the flashing glance Of their dark eyes YOU
feel thew are capable OF things otherwise than
household duties PerChanCe their small hands
might he found not unfamiliar with weapons
al a pinch So relates history. at any rate
Neither was this GIRL afraid Of the white sahIbs.
Why should she be when she had played with
the Colonel little son Of her father S regIment'
Her father had been subadar Major the senior
native officer. But the ch1fG sGflb that was
the little white bow had gone away over the
great blacl, water and "Ahii' she was afraid
y0uld never see him again. But for his sake she
the white sahibs II was then Latham caught
wstful. pensive expression subsequently re-
ed with approval IN the portrait.
is much Of her confidence gained. It was not a
alt matter for Latham 20 suggest painting her
AIT Perhaps she appreciated the compliment
.r beauty. probably she hardly understood the
lCance 81 the act. She could not OF course go 70
partment at the hotel: but as She came every
ING 10 feed the holy fish-whv If he thought she