HOMEWARD BOUND. 333 



or rather Houses, for it consists of a number of detached 

 bungalows connected by covered verandahs. The central 

 building is used for receptions, dinners, &c, and the others 

 are appropriated severally to the Governor, his aides-de 

 camp, and visitors. 



We passed several pleasant days in this charming 

 place, and thoroughly enjoyed the luxury of rest in a 

 lovely climate. The weather was perfect ; a clear blue 

 sky, without a cloud from morning to evening, and just 

 warm enough to make the shelter of a house pleasant. 

 We had a punkah at dinner-time, but it really was not 

 needed, and during the daytime the sea breezes which 

 blow from all sides keep the air delieiously cool. 



Messageries Maritimes SS. La Seyne. — This is a most 

 comfortable little boat, built originally for the Khedive, 

 and sold when Ismail abdicated. She only goes as far 

 as Aden, and we then change into one of the homeward- 

 bound Australian liners. The cuisine is excellent for a 

 ship, and far superior to that of most English boats. 



There is a strange mixture of nationalities on board. 

 and the number of different languages chattered at dinner 

 give one a faint idea of the Tower of Babel. Near me 

 are two Americans who have made their " pile," and are 

 ''going round." Beyond, three Portuguese priests, and a 

 Spanish lawyer. Then a German with an American wife, 

 and one or two Frenchmen, besides the ship's officers. 



