The scene presented by the Royal lakes proved an uncompromising contrast to that at the Pagoda; save for the Eastern background of palms and bamboos the gathering might have been in London. Here were motor-cars, smart carriages, pretty women wearing the latest fashions, men in flannels and tweeds; there was but little colour in their clothes—or their complexions—no brilliant orange or flaming scarlet, no bells, gongs, buoyant vitality, or merry laughter; the community were languidly discussing the mail news, the latest bridge tournament, and the approaching race meeting. By the lakes you encountered Europe—more particularly Great Britain. At the Shwe Dagon you found yourself in touch with an older world and face to face with the silken East!
CHAPTER XIII
“KEEP AN EYE UPON HER”
Gregory’s proved to be a vast and imposing concern, occupying a prominent situation on the Strand and evidently doing an immense trade. All this the new assistant readily gathered as Salter steered him in the direction of the manager’s sanctum.
Here he found the head of the firm, a tall individual, with grizzled hair covering a fine square head, a hard, clean-shaven face, and a pince-nez—which pince-nez he invariably removed when about to make a disagreeable remark. He received the new employé with an air of cool detachment, and shook hands in a manner that implied, “You must not expect this sort of thing every day.” Being taller than Shafto, he appeared to tower over him as he questioned him respecting the firm in London—which was but a small and insignificant offshoot of the great house in Rangoon; then he made a few perfunctory remarks on the subject of the voyage out, and said:
“I understand from Salter that you have found quarters in a chummery; I hope your house-mates will prove congenial——” he paused and added as a sort of afterthought, “Mrs. Gregory is usually at home on Thursdays from three to six.”
“Thank you,” murmured Shafto.
The principal then struck a handbell, which summoned an elderly man to his presence.
“Lowcroft,” he said, “this is Mr. Shafto, who will take over Mr. Shaw’s share of the landing business; you had better show him round and give him instructions. By the way,” turning to Shafto, “I suppose you don’t know a word of Burmese or Hindustani?”
The new arrival announced his complete ignorance of either language.
“Then you must see about getting a munshi at once.”