|
|
|
|
|
|
![](/cyprusexplorer/includes/images/kolossi200x90.jpg) |
|
|
uses Google technology and indexes
only and selectively internet - libraries
having books with free public access |
|
![](/cyprusexplorer/includes/images/chirocit200x200.jpg) |
|
|
![](/cyprusexplorer/includes/images/kourion200x140.jpg) |
|
|
|
|
Previous | |
Next |
|
![](/_images/8x8.gif) |
MALLOCK W.
In an enchanted island
page 52 View PDF version of this page AN UNEXPECTED TEA-PARTY 49
and there were some small tables and ottomans. Out of this opened the drawing-room and various bedrooms—my own amongst the number. My port-manteaus, I found, were by this time duly in their places ; and my hostess left me to arrange myself after my dusty journey. I resolved, whilst annoying myself over the troubles of unpacking, to engage Scotty for my servant during my stay in the island—• a contingency which, I believe, he foresaw from the first- himself. By the time I had shaved and dressed it was already five o'clock, and the dim blue twilight without was falling rapidly over everything. As I emerged and approached the drawing-room, I was sur-prised by a babble of voices, and on entering I found Mrs. Falkland entertaining a large tea-party. The high room, roofed with dark open rafters, was full of shadow, despite some glimmering lamps; and the forms and faces of the company were all mysterious and uncertain. I was never able to identify a single member of it afterwards, but they all must have belonged to the English colony of officials, to whom Mrs. Falkland was at home on periodical occasions.
I listened in silence to the conversation round me, and never had I listened to any with a more singular flavour. The dozen or so of visitors, it seemed, were of all ages—girls, old ladies, and youngish and middle-aged men. Some of them talked of practising hymns for the church, others of hunting, of races, of last year's picnics, and the glories of a possible ball. In many respects, no
E
View PDF version of this page
|
![](/_images/8x8.gif) |
|
Previous |
First |
Next |
|
|
|