A PHILOSOPHIC "BOOTLAIB." 251 



' It was an improvement on the stewed-eel soup 

 at any rate," remarked Norman. " It had a tinny 

 sort of flavour, it is true ; but it was good, decidedly 

 good. I say, Manuel," he continued, turning to that 

 person, " this is as fine a specimen of an ' old female' 

 as ever I chewed. Something like the Brigadier 

 Mem Sahib, eh ? " 



" Master, please not make too much fun. It come 

 into the ears of the Mem Sahib, then much bobbery 

 make." 



"Well, I dare say; but don't you think you 

 deserve it for speaking so disrespectfully of ladies ? " 



Manuel visibly shuddered at the idea of Mrs. 

 Jenkins's anger, and he tried to explain. " I not 

 mean it that, Sahib. If master please make the fun 

 of servant-man, then how I help ? " 



" Well, well, Manuel, I daresay you'll escape this 

 time. I don't think any of us will tell Mrs. 

 Jenkins." 



" No, sar, I do not fear that. But at mess, some- 

 time, plenty much talk to other gentlemen. Then 

 master tell story to make pleasure. Gentlc- 

 mens laugh, and tell story again to young Mem. 

 Sahibs. Young Mem Sahibs laugh too ; not like 

 the burree Mem Sahib, and tell her for to make 

 angry." 



" Why, Manuel de Sousa, you are a philosopher. 



