“Now, you know,” said William, “that simply isn’t a fair question. Off we go.” And the overladen little car began jolting up the broad avenue into the town.
“Is this where we are to stay?” asked Miss Tin as they drew up opposite the Grand Cafc et Hotel Restaurant de VEmpereur Seth.
“It doesn’t look terribly smart,” admitted William, “but you’ll find it a mine of solid comfort.”
He led them into the murky interior, dispersing a turkey and her brood from the Reception Hall. “Any one in?” There was a bell on the counter which he rang.
“Ullo,” said a voice from upstairs. “One min-ute,” and presently Mr. Youkoumian descended, buttoning up his trousers. “Why, it’s Mr. Bland. Ullo, sir, ow are you? I ad the Minister’s letter about the road this afternoon and the answer I am afraid is ‘nothing doing.’ Very occupied, the Emperor…”
“I’ve brought you two guests. They are English ladies of great importance. You are to make them comfortable.”
“I fix them O.K.,” said Mr. Youkoumian.
“I’m sure you’ll find everything comfortable here,” said William. “And I hope we shall see you soon at the Legation.”
“One minute, young man, there are a number of things I want to know.”
“I fix you O.K.,” said Mr. Youkoumian again.
“Yes, you ask Mr. Youkoumian here. He’ll tell you everything far better than I could. Can’t keep them waiting for the mail, you know.”
“Impudent young puppy,” said Dame Mildred as the car drove away. “I’ll report him to the Foreign Office as soon as I get home. Stanley shall ask a question about him in the House.”
Mail day at the British Legation. Sir Samson and Lady Courteney, Prudence and William, Mr. Legge and Mrs, Legge, Mr. and Mrs. Anstruther, sitting round the fireplace opening the bags. Bills, provisions, family news, official despatches, gramophone records, newspapers scattered on the carpet. Presently William said, “I say, d’you know who I ran into on the platform? Those two cruelty-to-animals women who kept telegraphing.”
“How very annoying. What have you done with them?”
“I shot them into Youkoumian’s. They wanted to come and stay here.”
“Heaven forbid. I do hope they won’t stay long. Ought we to ask them to tea or anything?”
“Well, I did say that perhaps you’d like to sec them sometime.”
“Hang it, William, that’s a bit thick.”
“Oh, I don’t suppose they thought I meant it.”
“I sincerely hope not.”
March 12th (continued).
Arrived Debra-Dowa late in afternoon. Discourteous cub from Legation met us and left Sarah’s trunk at station. Brought us to frightful hotel. But Armenian proprietor v. obliging. Saved me visit to bank by changing money for us into local currency. Quaint bank notes with portrait of Emperor in European evening dress. Mr. Seal came in after dinner. He is Cynthia’s son. V. young and ill-looking. Off hand manner. V. tired, going to bed early.
That evening M. Ballon’s report included the en-try: Two British ladies arrived, suspects. Met at station by Mr. Bland. Proceeded Youkoumian’s.
“They are being watched?”
“Without respite.”
“Their luggage?’
“A trunk was left at the station. It has been searched but nothing incriminating was found. Their papers are in two small bags which never leave their hands.”
“Ah, they are old stagers. Sir Samson is calling out his last reserves.”
March 13th. Sunday.
No news Sarah’s trunk. Went to Anglican Cathedral but found it was being pulled down. Service in Bishop’s drawing-room. Poor congregation. V. silly sermon. Spoke to Bishop later about cruelty to animals. Unhelpful. Old Humbug. Later went to write name in book at Palace. Sarah in bed. Town very crowded, apparently preparing for some local feast or carnival. Asked Bishop about it but he could not tell me. Seemed unaccountably embarrassed. Asked Mr. Youkoumian. Either he cannot have understood my question or I cannot have understood what I thought him to say. Did not press point. He did not speak English at all well but is an obliging man.
March I4th.
Hideous night. Mosquito in net and v. large brown bugs in bed. Up and dressed at dawn and went for long walk in hills. Met quaint caravan—drums, spears,
Other people besides Dame Mildred were interested in the little cavalcade which had slipped un-obtrusively out of the city at dawn that day. Un-obtrusively, in this connection, is a relative term. A dozen running slaves had preceded the procession, followed by a train of pack mules; then ten couples of mounted spearmen, a platoon of uniformed Imperial Guardsmen and a mounted band, blowing down reed flutes eight feet long and beating hand drums of hide and wood. In the centre on a mule loaded with silver and velvet trappings, had ridden a stout figure, heavily muffled in silk shawls. It was the Earl of Ngumo travelling incognito on a mission of great delicacy.
“Ngumo left town to-day. I wonder what he’s after.”
“I think the Earl’s pretty fed up, Mr. Seal. I take his ‘ouse Saturday for the Museum. ‘E’s gone back to ‘is estates I expect.”
