Here is
his parting benediction: "Man, I can certify to your mental cure,
and that's as much as to say I've cured most of your bodily
ailments. Now, get your traps out of this as soon as you can; and
be off to make love to Miss Kitty."
I was endeavoring to express my thanks for his kindness. He cut
me short.
"Don't think I did this because I like you. I gather that you've
behaved like a blackguard all through. But, all the same, you're a
phenomenon, and as queer a phenomenon as you are a blackguard.
No!"--checking me a second time--"not a rupee, please. Go out and
see if you can find the eyes-brain-and-stomach business again. I'll
give you a lakh for each time you see it."
Half an hour later I was in the Mannerings' drawing-room with
Kitty--drunk with the intoxication of present happiness and the
fore-knowledge that I should never more be troubled with Its
hideous presence. Strong in the sense of my new-found security, I
proposed a ride at once; and, by preference, a canter round Jakko.
Never had I felt so well, so overladen with vitality and mere
animal spirits, as I did on the afternoon of the 30th of April.
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