No More Learning

"

"Let them see! They'll think I am rehearsing for The Fallen Angel. Look!
There's The Mussuck. How badly he rides. There! "

She blew a kiss to the venerable Indian administrator with infinite
grace.

"Now," she continued, "he'll be chaffed about that at the Club in the
delicate manner those brutes of men affect, and the Hawley Boy will tell
me all about it--softening the details for fear of shocking me. That boy
is too good to live, Polly. I've serious thoughts of recommending him to
throw up his Commission and go into the Church. In his present frame of
mind he would obey me. Happy, happy child. "

"Never again," said Mrs. Mallowe, with an affectation of indignation,
"shall you tiffin here! 'Lucindy, your behavior is scand'lus.
'"

"All your fault," retorted Mrs. Hauksbee, "for suggesting such a thing
as my abdication. No! Jamais--nevaire! I will act, dance, ride, frivol,
talk scandal, dine out, and appropriate the legitimate captives of any
woman I choose until I d-r-r-rop or a better woman than I puts me to
shame before all Simla--and it's dust and ashes in my mouth while I'm
doing it! "

She swept into the drawing-room, Mrs. Mallowe followed and put an arm
round her waist.

"I'm not! " said Mrs. Hauksbee, defiantly, rummaging for her
handkerchief. "I've been dining out the last ten nights, and rehearsing
in the afternoon. You'd be tired yourself. It's only because I'm tired. "

Mrs. Mallowe did not offer Mrs. Hauksbee any pity or ask her to lie
down, but gave her another cup of tea, and went on with the talk.