He returned her look with an equal deliberation.
"Is that a hint to me to keep my distance?"
"No. Only to ... 'go slow,' if you'll forgive the expressive slang. It's so much wiser in the long-run."
"Is it? Bad luck for me. I've never managed it yet, and I doubt if I ever shall. The men of my squadron call me Bijli-wallah Sahib, [7] and I didn't earn the name by going slow, ... Miss Meredith. If I have been overbold, your music was to blame. But Ladybird seemed to wish it; and, believe me, I did not mean it to seem like impertinence. Why, there she is herself, bless her; and we're neither of us ready for breakfast!"
[5] Tray.
[6] Small breakfast.
[7] Bijli—lightning.