104 A Sportswoman in India 



She was a sight to behold ; and I repeated fervently 

 again and again : " Very good very good ; very 

 nice very nice." She was evidently delighted to 

 show off everything, and lifted her arms and put 

 back her shawl to display to advantage her bracelets 

 and earrings. 



However, this could not last for ever, and I was 

 soon at a loss. ... A long and painful silence 

 followed. I tried some English with a few gesticula- 

 tions ; but whatever it was which she answered was 

 in Hindustani and was Greek to me. Another dead- 

 lock was inevitable. At last, when the pause was 

 becoming solemn beyond words, in a sudden inspira- 

 tion I noticed a flat parcel, which looked like work, 

 and which the Ranee was carrying under her arm. 



I touched it, and asked what it was. It was instantly 

 thrust into my hands, and I divined, to my horror, 

 that I had forestalled a present which she was intending 

 to offer me. There was nothing to do but to 

 graciously accept it ; and I was able to cover quite 

 five minutes in expressing my thanks and in looking 

 at it. It was her own photograph, resplendent in 

 all her jewels ; it was folded in two handkerchiefs, 

 worked in Chamba, in the most flaring colours, 

 representing a boar-hunt, with men on horseback, 

 spears, and all complete ; inside was a third hand- 

 kerchief of pink silk. 



Praises and thanks having really reached a climax, 

 I resolved to take my leave on the top of the " seventh 

 wave " with flying colours, nor face another pause. 



