Ootacamund and Anglo-Indian Life 343 



fast. When the Albert Docks are left behind, and 

 faces turn eastwards, some of the old shackles drop off, 

 and a more simple and independent spirit takes the 

 place of the false and conventional one. 



However, to return to the Sunshiny Land. Recog- 

 nised as full of mysticism and superstition, one meets 

 with incidents which are inexplicable. 



The following account is perfectly true. My friend 

 Mrs. 1'E. was dressing one night for dinner, and 

 saw reflected in her looking-glass the figure of an ayah 

 standing with a note in her hand. 



" What do you want ? Is that note for me ? " There 

 was no answer. Mrs. 1'E. turned round and looked 

 at the figure, which without speaking retired from the 

 room, through the curtain. Seeing that it was not 

 her own ayah, no doubt the woman belonged next 

 door, and a native's conduct is often inexplicable ; 

 but Mrs. 1'E. could not quite understand why none of 

 her own servants had seen the woman ; they denied 

 all knowledge of her. 



Mrs. 1'E. demanded an explanation from her 

 neighbour, whom she met at dinner that evening. 

 " Why," exclaimed the lady, " you've seen the 

 ghost ! " She went on to say that an old tale belonged 

 to the bungalow of its being haunted by the figure of 

 an ayah carrying a note. 



On several occasions afterwards Mrs. I'E.'s little 

 boy called to her from his bed, " Mother, do send away 

 that ayah standing by the door ! " Colonel 1'E. also 

 saw her once, again with a note, and again she vanished. 



