Page:An American Girl in India.djvu/146

 But Ermyntrude was always a difficult person to console. She always would see the darkest side of life. 'Ah, but it isn't only that, miss,' she said regretfully. 'It's against the grain to think of all those meals you've had to pay in full for and that I haven't half ate.' As the train drew near to Slumpanugger I began to wonder what Berengaria and her household would be like, and how I should get on with them. I think I'm the kind of person that can get on well with anybody really, but of course sometimes it's an effort, and I get real bored. The number of Anglo-Indians I had come across previously had not been large, and I felt I was about to enter into pastures new. Berengaria's husband I had never seen, and Berengaria herself, though I had known her fairly well ages ago, I had only seen once since her marriage years before. She was waiting for me on the platform as the train drew up into Slumpanugger station. Fortunately it was obvious that it must be Berengaria, for I confess right away that I couldn't have picked her out in a crowd. She seemed to have grown bigger in every way, and her first words told me she was anxious about it. 'Why, you haven't changed a bit, dear,' she said, kissing me effusively. 'Have I?'

I looked her in the face, and lied boldly. It is no good falling out with your hostess on the station platform as soon as you arrive.

'No, dear, not a bit,' I said, returning her kisses