H. B. J.
In writing the above, I was well aware that there is a strong prejudice in the mind of European feminines in favour of monogamy, and my letter (as will be seen by the intelligent reader) was rather cleverly composed so as to shift the burden of breach of contract from my shoulders to hers.
So that I rubbed my hands with gleeful jubilation on receiving her reply that she was astounded with wonderment at the sublimity of my cheek in supposing that she would play the subordinate fiddle to any native wife, and that she had communicated with Chuckerbutty Ram, Esq., and if my statement re infant marriage (which at present she suspected to be a mere spoof) proved correct, she would certainly decline my insulting offer.
Now as it is the undeniable fact that I was wedded when a mere juvenile, I shall save my brush from this near shave—provided that Mr Chuckerbutty Ram has received my tip in time and does not, like Hon'ble Cummerbund, go beyond his instructions.
But this is not reasonably probable, Baboo Chuckerbutty Ram being a tolerably discreet, subtle chap.
XXI
Mr Jabberjee halloos before he is quite out of the Wood.
Being (to my best of belief) satisfactorily off with the old love, I naturally became as playful as a kitten or gay as a grig. For the most superficial observer, and with the half of a naked optic, could easily discern the immeasurable superiority of Miss Wee-Wee to Jessimina in all the refinements and delicacies of a real English lady, and although, up to present date, the timidity of girlishness has restrained Miss Allbutt-Innett from reciprocating my increasing spooniness, her parents and brother are of an overwhelming cordiality, and repeatedly mention their ardent hope that I may become their guest up in the hills some time this autumn.