“Ha!” said young Browne, “Dekko,[[23]] bearer! You may sub nokar lao. Sumja? Memsahib dekna muncta!”[[24]]
[23]. Look!
[24]. Bring all the servants. Do you understand? The memsahib wants to see them.
“Bahut atcha!”[[25]] responded the bearer, and retired.
[25]. Very good.
Helen sat up very straight, a little nervous air of apprehension mingled with her dignity. It had been no flippant business in her experience, to interview even a prospective under-housemaid, and presently she would be confronted by a whole retinue. “Why are they so long?” she asked.
“They’re putting on their clean clothes, and perhaps a little oil in your honour, my dear. They wish to make as radiant an appearance as possible.” And in a few minutes later the Brownes’ domestic staff followed its leader into the room, where it stood abashed, hands hanging down, looking at the floor. The bearer made a respectful showman’s gesture and awaited the pleasure of the sahib.
The sahib regarded them quizzically, and softly smoked on, with crossed legs.
“Dear me!” said Helen; “what a lot!”
“They are people of infinite leisure, my dear. The accomplishment of any one thing requires a great many of them. Above all it is necessary that they have peace and long hours to sleep, and an uninterrupted period in which to cook their rice and wash and anoint themselves. You will soon find out their little ways. Now let me explain. They don’t understand a word of English.