consequently, may be fairly considered as aiming to subvert the ordinations of fate !

Though the native women retained by European gentlemen very rarely proceed to the rivers to bathe, but content themselves with either the use of a small bath of masonry, or with pots of water, they are, nevertheless, extremely fond of going abroad in a palanquin, or a r'hut, attended by their dhyes, and with the guttah-tope, or cover, of the vehicle, brought down close on all sides. It certainly would be uncharitable to annex a bad motive, as inseparable from all such excursions, yet it may probably be considered as a general rule, that such ladies either take the air with the intention of meeting some established gallant, or that they ultimately give way to the flattery and whisperings of their menials, who are rarely proof against a very moderate bribe, and are frequently known to throw an admirer, as though accidentally, in the way of Madam's notice.

However recluse we may suppose the Hindos-tanee ladies to be, some allowance must be made for certain amusements peculiar to India, in which they indulge. The acceptance and transmission of compliments and civilities, afford no small gratification ; the arrival, or despatch, of a complimentary pawn, (beetle,) or of an elauchee, (cardamom,) being matters of considerable importance, among a race whose whole time may

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