“I wished to see Mr. Assistant Resident as soon as possible,” said the Adhipatti, “to make his acquaintance.”
“Certainly, certainly, I am obliged; but I do not like to see a person of your rank and years exert himself too much——and on horseback too!”
“Yes, Mr. Assistant Resident! where duty calls me, I am even now always active and vigorous.”
“That is too self-exacting——is it not, Mr. Resident?”
“Mr. Adhipatti——is——very——”
“Very well; but there is a limit * *”
“—zealous,” drawled the Resident.
“Very well; but there is a limit,” Havelaar had to say again, as if to swallow the former words. “If you agree to it, Resident, we will make room in the carriage. The ‘baboe’ can remain here; we will send her a tandoo[2] from Rankas-Betong. My wife will take Max on her lap——won’t you, Tine? there is room enough.”
“It——is——very——”
“Verbrugge, we will make room for you too; I don’t see——”