TOWN OF DILLY. 
231 
it as well as into tlie front verandah. The ver- 
andah extends the length of the building but for 
two projecting wings, which are the boudoirs of 
Madame and her daughter-in-law respectively. 
One beautiful apartment is seldom opened, the 
Hall of State, where at one end is a chair for 
the King or his representative on a velvet-floored 
dais under a rich silken canopy, above which a 
large painted portrait of his Majesty looks down. 
The town of Dilly runs quite a mile along the 
shore, and has a rather imposing aspect on ap- 
proaching from the sea, but a walk through its 
streets leaves a depressing effect on the spirits. 
It is not a lively place : no traveller will of 
choice visit Dilly, for its reputation as the un- 
healthiest port of the archipelago is not unde- 
served, and the report that one night passed in 
its miasmal atmosphere may result fatally deters 
any who would, except of necessity, go there. 
Those who are appointed here make up their 
minds, shortly after arrival, that they will go 
as soon as possible : what matters it that your 
house be pretty, or your garden a feast for the 
eyes ? Fever-stricken people and places are re- 
cognisable at a glance; the pale faces and en- 
during air of the residents explain the lifeless 
town and dilapidated buildings. 
