Page:Letters from India Vol 2.pdf/171

 I would give the weight in rupees for this, not thinking it possible the workmanship would go for nothing, as these silver beds are great favourites with natives; but it did, and so I have got the four silver posts to turn into legs of a table which is to hold all my pretty silver things. The table itself, I think, should be Japan, and I hope it may be picked up in the China Bazaar. A horrid idea crosses my mind sometimes—that on a ground-floor at Knightsbridge, with the footman sleeping over the laundry, all these silver treasures will be stolen, which will be very distressing. Here, if I only go to George’s room, the sentry in the passage takes the key of my door, and one of the four khalapees, who are answerable for my room, sits in it till I come back again, and sleeps at the door at night. Friday 15th. After some very hot days we had such a storm to-night. I had just got home after taking Mrs. an airing; but the carriage which took her on was almost filled with water. There is always a dreadful hot lull before these storms; the sky becomes literally