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They had left the market quarter b
ehind theed with square-built white houses with the usual flat roofs Wire fences strung froardens Thickly set rhododendron bushes, deodars, fruit trees and dancing flies inhabited these gardens Their shade was alluring, and Marie stared at each one, hoping it would be theirs
At last they halted outside one and Rahaib stood to watch theate and escorted them up the dusty path
There were two doors; one outer with a lass to let light into the house A long verandah ran the length of the back of the house Wicker chairs were arranged around a low cane table
A s froreet them politely Over her palms her dark eyes looked curiously at Marie A red castecolour of her olive skin
'Lispa speaks no English,' Rahaib told them 'I shall interpret for you if you tell me your wishes'
Marie smiled at Lispa and indicated Jerery'
Lispa's dark eyes travelled to Jeremy as Rahaib spoke to her A little sered hand to the boy, who trustingly took her hand and let her lead him away
Rahaib ushered Marie along a corridor to a shuttered room full of cool shadows 'This is your chamber, my lady Your boxes are here already'
Heaving a sigh of delight at the coolness, she looked around the roo at the net-enshrouded bed, the carved chests and the wicker, cushioned chair 'It's delightful,' she told Rahaib
'Will you rest or eat, my lady?'
'I think we'd better eat first,' she said
He bowed 'I will go and find out if the food is ready Please, wash and refresh yourself'
She looked at him doubtfully, and he smiled at her 'There is a bathrooently
Marie was astonished 'A bathroo here