“There are not a few barbarous customs which you will have to get rid of before you will be satisfied,” said Burnett.
“No English lady would like to see her sex so degraded by being compelled to exhibit themselves as these poor girls are,” said Reginald, thinking of Violet.
“I suspect that the performances at an English opera-house can scarcely claim a higher position than the exhibitions of these nautch-girls,” observed Burnett.
“I never went to an opera in England, but I should not have supposed that a scene like this would have been tolerated in a civilised country,” said Reginald.
“Your highness is very particular,” observed Captain Hawkesford with a scarcely suppressed sneer.
“No man can be too particular in doing what is right,” said Reginald, turning away from his guest, to whom he had hitherto paid just as much attention as etiquette required.
He was glad, however, when the banquet came to a conclusion; when, issuing an order that Captain Hawkesford’s escort should be in readiness to start, he, with studied formality, wished him goodbye; and telling Burnett that he desired his company, he retired to his private apartment.
Burnett in a short time made his appearance.
“I cannot stand this sort of thing much longer,” Reginald exclaimed, as he paced up and down the room. “I will try to carry out the necessary reforms, and I will then beg the British Government to take possession of the country, and to preserve order as best they can. I am sure Violet will never be happy here; and I intend proposing a return to England as soon as her father will consent to our marriage.”
“There is not much probability that the colonel will refuse his permission,” observed Burnett, laughing; “and I trust that you will allow me, at the same time, to become the husband of your sister.”