SOCIETY. 
215 
classic authors in the original ranged on their 
bookshelves, and themselves conversant with 
them all, able to bring up in discussion the 
beautiful imaginations of George Eliot, and to 
quote the noblest examples of English poetry. 
These friends never cease to mourn that they 
did not know us when we lived so uncomfort- 
ably in Amboina on our first arrival, — a regret 
which we heartily share. They occupy an ideal 
house at the rear of the doctor's, where we now 
spend many happy hours. They are accom- 
plished musicians, and join heartily in the musi- 
cal gatherings held one evening a-week by our 
host, a most gifted amateur, whose love of music 
disputes his passion for natural science. Weak 
as I am from fever, the long walks I enjoyed in 
Amboina some months ago are now quite im- 
possible ; but it is very pleasant to sit in the ver- 
andah with my hostess and our common friend 
Mrs Van Deventer in the cool evening hour, or 
pace the sward in front of the house, listening to 
strains from the best masters in duet from the 
doctor's piano and Mr Van Deventer's 'cello. 
Dr Machik has himself instructed, with in- 
finite pains, his elder daughter Irma, who in- 
herits her father’s talent in some measure, and, 
although only a child of twelve, can sing in her 
