At this point Richard cut
in, and swore at the driver for being so cruel, and scolded me for
spoiling an excursion by my ridiculous sensibilities. Then my fox-
terrier put in her oar, and tried to bite the coachman for beating
the ponies; and not being allowed, she laid her head on my shoulder
and went into hysterics--the tears actually ran down her cheeks. We
had a grand view from Elphinstone Point, and the temples also were
interesting. We were glad to get back again at 9 a.m., for the sun
was very trying. We made several pleasant excursions during our stay,
and people were very kind. All the same, I did not greatly care for
Mahabaleshwar. There was too much society; one could not ruralize
enough. "Sets" are the rule, and priggishness is rampant, even in
the primeval forest. Our visit was a brief one, and then we returned
to Bombay.
After two days at Bombay Richard and I set sail in the British Indian
Steamship Company's _Rajpootna_ for distant and deserted Goa, a thirty-
six hours' passage. It was a calm, fine evening when we started, but
intensely hot. The next day there was a heavy swell, and many were
ill. I went to bed thoroughly tired out, expecting to land the next
morning. About five o'clock, as the captain told me overnight not to
hurry myself, I got up leisurely. Presently a black steward came down,
and said:
"Please, ma'am, the agent's here with your boat to convey you ashore.
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