Page:Quartette - Kipling (1885).djvu/121

 —Yes, I am. I have noticed when visiting poor people that the working classes are very fond of buttered toast, and they always arrange it ready buttered on a plate—so. (Shows him plate.) But please go on. You were saying that there are only two sorts of people in India-cultured civilians like you and papa, and abandoned ruffians and adventurers like our guest. Are there not a few Soldiers, Merchants, Engineers, and so on?

—Merchants, Engineers, Railway people, are adventurers whom we have to tolerate; and as for Soldiers, Miss Edith, they are a tertium quid—necessary evils. I have no sympathy with the military spirit.

—So I should have thought.

—Their want of true culture, their arrogance, their self-sufficiency

—Their what?

—Their insufferable conceit, which I am sorry to say your sex does its best to encourage.

-How very sad!

(tenderly).—But you don't care for soldiers, I am sure. You have a mind above the childish fascination some young ladies find in a spangled uniform. Oh! Miss Bulthrop, you have been kind enough to take an interest in my pursuits. You have allowed me to tell you a little of the history of the ancient rulers of this country. Won't you be persuaded to look kindly on one of its modern rulers? (Poses sentimentally.)

(laughing).-A modern ruler! Do you know I never looked upon you in that light before? and you really are imposing. But if you are a modern ruler, I'm a home ruler, and my decree is that you go now and rule your millions in cutcherry with papa, while I send the prisoner his breakfast. Good morning, Mr. Smallweed!

(aside on exit).—If, even when she chaffs me, she would only call me Percy.

—A ruler indeed! Ah well! I suppose papa is right, and Mr. Smallweed is one of the most admirable and excellent of competition-wallahs. But—heigho! I wonder what Frank is doing at this minute! I didn't tell a fib when I said to papa I didn't care for him, for though we were the best of friends, and I