WORK OF THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL 217 
crests instead of the armorial badges that should 
rightly be worn by these vassals. 
In Simla the same things happen on approximate 
dates every season. The Sports Club at Annandale 
first revives under the genial hospitality of the 
Viceroy’s Household, and Society lunches under the 
deodars on their invitation. Then follow gymkhanas, 
polo, and races, in due course, until the monsoon rain 
converts the playgrounds into shallow swamps. 
Meanwhile Viceregal Lodge has not been quiescent ; 
it has satisfied itself of the allegiance of its subjects 
by inviting them to a Levée, and it tests their 
agility at a State Ball, and their appetites at a 
State Dinner, where one may behold the gambols of 
the gods or observe them relaxed by good cheer. Nor 
does it stay its magnificent hospitality at these 
official functions ; it asks all to enter its doors to eat, 
drink, and dance, to their hearts’ content, warmed 
the while by the genial approbation of the host and 
the charming courtesy of the hostess, and inspired 
by the gentle encouragement of graceful Aides-de- 
Camp. 
Following this opening of the season, a thrill of 
hospitality runs through the Settlement. Members 
of Council and Generals, Secretaries and Colonels, 
even Deputy-Secretaries and Majors, entertain and 
are entertained at the evening meal, so that at eight 
of the clock the roads are full of rushing rickshaws, 
and the air resounds with yells of “ Bahin hath,” or 
“Keep to the left.” Three hours later the return 
journey is undertaken by a still more joyous crowd : 
young men and maidens, light-hearted in the spark- 
ling night ; the middle-aged, happy in the recollec- 
