Mrs. Nevill was the eldest daughter of our talented predecessor in the
Consulate at Trieste, Charles Lever, the novelist. She was most
charming, and a perfect horsewoman. We had delightful quarters in Major
Nevill's "compound." The rooms were divided into sleeping- and bath-
rooms, and tents were thrown out from either entrance. The front opened
into the garden. Two servants, a man and a woman, were placed at our
disposal. In short, nothing was wanting to our comfort. That night
we went to a dinner-party and ball at Government House--Sir Richard and
Lady Meade's.
Next morning we were up betimes, and out on elephants to see the town.
It was my first mount on an elephant, and my sensations were decidedly
new. The beasts look very imposing with their gaudy trappings; and as
we rode through Hyderabad we were most cordially greeted by all. The
houses were flat, something like those of Damascus; and the streets
were broad and spanned by high arches, whose bold simplicity was very
striking. The Nizam's palace, at least a mile long, was covered with
delicate tracery; and many a mosque, like lacework, rose here and there.
But the _cachet_ of all in Hyderabad was size, boldness, and simplicity.
After inspecting the town we proceeded to the palace of Sir Salar Jung.
We found him a noble, chivalrous, large-hearted Arab gentleman, of the
very best stamp; and throughout our stay at Hyderabad he was most kind
to us.
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