"Yes, saar, that is the order—everything in Wellunga is as the General commands; this bungalow is kept ready and in good repair; the old places of course are ruins—but no one may touch one bit of wood, or one brick—though many wanting them for house, and cattle sheds; and plenty good dhoby stones, and curry stones, in cemetery—but once he goes—all goes!"
"Including yourself?"
"Yes, your honour, I also depart to my own country—Quilon."
"I saw a young lady to-day, and a young man, who are they?"
"Miss Tara and Mr. Tom, the General's son and daughter."
Mallender put down his fork, and stared at the speaker in genuine surprise.
"Oh, yes. Miss Jessie, she is older; the General married two times, first family all gone Europe—he never going, too much liking this country, his people calling him always—all no use. His wife die, then he marry one English woman, not proper family; but taking great care of old man. He still getting big pension," he added with a significance that was entirely wasted on his listener. "The General, has all he wants; now he sits hours in big verandah looking at India, and always thinking, thinking, then he go for drive, then put to bed, same like child. He has his senses, he can walk, and see, only too old, and a little deaf."
"Why does he live at Wellunga?"
"That I cannot surely tell; but when young officer he was here with regiment. I have seen him get out of carriage at Mess House, and go in, and sit there, long, long, time. When he come out, he look shaking and plenty sorry, because all, all gone, everyone—and he only is left."
"And do his family remain always, in this dead place?"