CHAPTER XII 



THE SHALIMAN BAGH GARDENS 



THE Happy Valley ! 



And yet, in spite of this promising name, tales of 

 woe meet me on all sides. My future cook is very 

 ill ; Mr Peychaud's bees, including their queen, 

 have turned their backs on the Residency ; and the 

 Clifton-Browns have decided to weigh anchor at the 

 end of the week. Thank Heaven, it is only Monday 

 to-day ! 



" Shaliman Bagh " heads the list of pleasures 

 which Lady Younghusband has planned for to-day. 

 It is really quite touching to see the way in which 

 our kind Amphitryone exerts herself to provide for 

 our amusement not a day passes that she does not 

 think of something fresh to do or see. " Shaliman 

 Bagh " the Garden of Love is situated on the 

 banks of the Dhal Lake amidst scenery of super- 

 natural beauty. What a garden it must be ! one 

 mass of eternal bloom, colour, and loveliness. Here 

 Helen of Troy may remain for ever young, and 

 Romeo and Juliet can never die ! Here the great 



34 



