Page:Wanderings of a Pilgrim Vol 1.djvu/105

 We understand that after twenty-five years' service, and twenty-two of actual residence in India, we of the Civil Service are to retire upon an annuity of 1000l. a year, for which we are to pay 50,000 rupees, or about 5000l. This, on first appearance, looks well for us and generous in the Company; but I should like first to know, how many will be able to serve their full time of bondage? secondly, what the life of a man, an annuitant, is then worth, who has lingered two and twenty years in a tropical climate?

May 9th.—The heat is intense—very oppressive. I dare not go to church for fear of its bringing on fits, which might disturb the congregation; you have little idea of the heat of a collection of many assembled in such a climate—even at home, with all appliances and means to boot for reducing the temperature, the heat is sickening. You in England imagine a lady in India has nothing to do. For myself, I superintend the household, and find it difficult at times to write even letters, there is so much to which it is necessary to attend. At this moment I would willingly be quiet, but am continually interrupted. The coachman, making his salām, "Mem sāhiba, Atlas is very ill, I cannot wait for the sāhib's return; I have brought the horse to the door, will you give your orders?" The durwān (gate-keeper), "Mem Sāhiba, the deer have jumped over the wall, and have run away." The sirdar-bearer, "Mem sāhiba, will you advance me some rupees to make a great feast? My wife is dead." The mate-bearer then presented his petition, "Will the mem sāhiba give me a plaister? the rats have gnawed my fingers and toes." It is a fact that the lower part of the house is overrun with enormous rats, they bite the fingers and feet of the men when they are asleep on the ground.

The other evening I was with my beautiful and charming friend, Mrs. F, she had put her infant on a mat, where it was quietly sleeping in the room where we were sitting. The evening darkened, a sharp cry from the child startled us—a bandicote rat had bitten one of its little feet!

It is reported the Burmese war is nearly finished. I hope it may be true; it is a horrible sacrifice of human life, a war in