ENGLISHWOMEN IN INDIA 157 



account, for I am a fatalist, but on account of the 

 bright, dainty little lady on the Commander-in- 

 Chief's elephant immediately behind me. 



The two Durbars have brought prominently to 

 the front, quite apart from their respective high 

 positions, three women whose courage and the 

 example they set should never be forgotten. 



India is the land of intrigue, and women always 

 have loved, do and ever will love, intrigue, and 

 intrigue does not bring out the best side of their 

 nature. 



But India is also too often for Englishwomen 

 the land of tragedy and of trial, and it is under 

 the stress of tragedy and trial that their sterling 

 qualities become so strikingly apparent. 



From Home I am assured of reasonable freedom 

 of action, confidence and support. 



From my colleagues loyalty and co-operation. 



No man could ask for more, and I am profoundly 

 grateful. 



Thus I find myself presiding at the Supreme 

 Council, and am for the time being the representa- 

 tive of the Viceroy. 



Unfortunately all this synchronises with the 

 preparation of my last Budget. 



The burden I bear is almost unduly heavy. 



