"
Pagett was an aimost silent spectator of the grave formalities of a
visit paid by a punctilious old Mahommedan gentleman to an
Indian official; and was much impressed by the distinction of
manner and fine appearance of the Mohammedan landholder.
When the exhange of polite banalities came to a pause, he
expressed a wish to learn the courtly visitor's opinion of the
National Congress.
Orde reluctantly interpreted, and with a smile which even
Mohammedan politeness could not save from bitter scorn, Rasul
Ah Khan intimated that he knew nothing about it and cared still
less. It was a kind of talk encouraged by the Government for some
mysterious purpose of its own, and for his own part he wondered
and held his peace.
Pagett was far from satisfied with this, and wished to have the old
gentleman's opinion on the propriety of managing all Indian affairs
on the basis of an elective system.
Orde did his best to explain, but it was plain the visitor was bored
and bewildered. Frankly, he didn't think much of committees; they
had a Municipal Committee at Lahore and had elected a menial
servant, an orderly, as a member. He had been informed of this on
good authority, and after that, committees had ceased to interest
him. But all was according to the rule of Government, and, please
God, it was all for the best.
"What an old fossil it is!" cried Pagett, as Orde returned from
seeing his guest to the door; "just like some old blue-blooded
hidalgo of Spain.
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