166 
LUCKNOW. 
could not have pitched on an uglier spot in the vicinity of Luck- 
now. His house nearer town is in many respects pleasanter than 
Constantia. The room that overhangs the river, and the other 
built by its side, are admirably adapted for the hot winds. It 
is impossible to suffer from heat, while you continue squatted like 
a toad, in one of those little cellars. The caprice of iron doors, 
massive stone walls, and narrow winding staircases, with draw- 
bridges and battlements, give this house much the appearance of 
the castle in Blue Beard. The expense of it was three or four lacs. 
Mr. Quiros bought it at the sale for about 40,000 rupees ; he bid 
against the Nawaub, who has since made him sincerely repent it, 
by taking from him different leases, and persecuting him on every 
occasion. He now wishes to dispose of it to him as a peace-offering, 
and a treaty for the sale is actually going on. It has a very com- 
modious zenana annexed, and is therefore a desirable country re- 
sidence for his Excellency. At all his numerous garden-houses he 
has no separate habitation for his women. He is consequently 
obliged, when at any of them, either to give up their society, or to 
seclude himself totally with them. 
June -4.— The King's birth day was ushered in by a royal salute 
fired before the Resident's house. His Excellency the Nawaub and 
family met the gentlemen of the settlement, and officers of the 
regiment quartered here, at Colonel Scott's; we were afterwards 
much edified by a nautch and fireworks, according to immemorial 
custom. On this occasion presents were made to the Nawaub and 
his son the minister, in the name of the Company. 
July I . — His Excellency some days ago concluded his purchase 
of the house of the late General Martin. He was so much pleased on 
