eplied Mung Baw, drawing himself up to his full height;
"I'm the tallest _pongye_ in Rangoon."

"Yes, no doubt. Burmese are a bit undersized."

"But fine, able-bodied fellows. I suppose you've seen the wrestlers?"

"Yes. Now, before you go, can I get you a drink or a smoke?"

"Oh, as for a smoke, I'm thinking your tobacco would not be strong
enough for me, but I don't say that I wouldn't like a drink, although I
am a sober man; just the least little taste of whisky and water, as a
sort of souvenir of old times. Ye might bring it in here, for I don't
want them native chaps makin' a scandal about me."

As soon as the _pongye_ had been secretly supplied with a fairly
moderate souvenir, he resumed his sandals, picked up his umbrella and
begging-bowl and, with a military salute to Shafto, swept down the
rickety stairs.

CHAPTER XXX

ENLIGHTENMENT

Miss Fuschia Bliss was still in Rangoon and, as she modestly expressed
it, "crawling round, on approval." She had brought letters of
introduction to the Lieutenant-Governor, the Pomeroys, and the
Gregorys. Sir Horace and Lady Winter had no young people, so she
presently passed on to the Pomeroys, who in their turn reluctantly
yielded their guest to Mrs. Gregory.

Hosts and hostesses were only too glad to secure the company of Miss
Bliss, a girl who had seen so many strange countries, and noticed so
much with her sharp eyes, that her inferences and original remarks were
equally novel and interesting. Fuchsia's society was invigorating, and
the American could easily have put in twelve months in Burma if so
disposed. But one obstacle--and one only--interposed, and detained her
from joining her friends in Cairo. (This is in the strictest
confidence.) She was awaiting the moment when that great, big stupid
Irishman would speak!

Although Fuchsia looked no more than two- or three-and-twenty,
eight-and-twenty summers had passed over her ash-coloured head. She
had received an excellent education, had travelled far, and was as
experienced and worldly-wise as any matron of fifty. Indeed, in
natural wit and the art of putting two and two together, she was
considerably ahead of most of her sex.

Mrs. Gregory enjoyed having young people with her, but her mornings
were engaged. She had a hand in the principal benevolent societies in
the place; was treasurer of this, or secretary of that, apart from her
house-keeping and large correspondence, so that she was rar