The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1939-11-17
east mn We5T
BY TALBOT MUNDY
erALBor AvNpY-wNv SERVICE

nearly had Ats. Lynn stared at her
own reflection in the mirror, not
quite liking it. She smiled at her
self, just to see what the smile
would look like.
The Maharanee returned from the
palace, excited, fawned on by four
women. Two meek men-servants
followed her with baskets of provi-
sions. Lynn ran to greet her. The
Maharanee almost squealed at the
sight of Lynn in black pajamas with
her golden hair massed in becom-
ing contrast.
Wonderful! But no, that won't
do! Yes it will, yes it will! / forget.
I am so excited, ! forget! We are
to have an informal supper party at
the palace, instead of dinner-truly,
truly unconventional - modern - a
picnic!"
"Oh, my God!" said Aunty.
But the Maharanee could be as
deaf as Fate when it pleased her to
be. She continued, almost breath
less:
Ellis Highness my husband" (she
always spoke of the Maharajah as
His Highness my husband) ''has
heard that Captain Norwood is in
Kadur. Captain Norwood is a Royal
Engineer. He is said to be a man
of great attachments. His Highness
my husband is very eager to be
pleasant to him."
Engineer" said Aunty.
"Yes, he is to make survey of
the Kadur River. 1t would not be
etiquette to notice him until after
he makes his formal call, which he
should do tomorrow. However, I
persuaded His Highness my hus-
band, who is a very conventional
man, but now and then he listens
to me-" She turned to Aunty: "We
are so, so sorry, Mrs. Harding, that
you can't be with u.s."
81 will spare you that regret" she
answered. II will be there. You
have a rickshaw? Your women can
help me to dress, don't doubt.
Lynn and I will be leaving as soon
as I am fit to travel. A last sup
per in your palace will be some
thing to remember.
"Oh, how gracious of you," said
the Maharanee. "But are you quite
sure"
The Bengali doctor appeared, eau
tious, with bedside confidential air
that did not, however, prevent the
Maharanee from instinctively veil
ing her face.
sMrs. Harding, / have a little pei
let for you, just one little pellet,
prepared specially"
'Thank you, don't take pellets"
The doctor hesitated. The Ma
haranee spoke through her veil:
''Mrs. Harding is coming to sup
per at the palace"
''Oh?" said the doctor. "Well,
perhaps she will take the medicine
at supper. Shall ! send it by a
servant? She should take it with a
little piece of bread or with a glass
of water"
'Thank you, you needn't trouble"
said Mrs. Harding. 81 need no med
icine."
"Come, Lynn" The Maharanee
could hardly wait while Lynn looked
for a wrap.
$50 long, Aunty. See you later"
''Does she never consult an astrol-
oger?" the Maharanee asked.
Lynn laughed: "She did once
and only oncei"
"But you? You believe in them?"
81 think the answer is no. l know
so little about them-practically
nothing. But aren't they charlatans?
I've Always been told that they are"
"Oh, many of them are," the Ma
haranee admitted. ''There are char
latans in all professions. We have a
very good court astrologer. / will
order him to cast your horoscope.
In fact, have already consulted
him about it."
'sWhat fun! But please do keep it
secret from Aunty. She would
have conniption fits"
ITO RE CONTINDEDI