“That’s a new feature of schools; in England, if I remember rightly, the efforts of the mistresses tend all the other way—to keep the girls from getting married.” “That,” said Marpeet, “would never do in India, where women are thinking of getting buried about the age at which they talk of being married in lat. 50° N. Yes, this is the place for the man who wants a wife, and wishes to be met half-way, detesting, like me, the toil of wooing. There he can go, and if he sees a girl he likes, good fore-hand, clean about the fetlock-joints, free in her paces, sound and quiet, and not too long in the tooth, if not bespoke, he’ll not find much difficulty in getting her. But if you and Grundy will go, I’ll get you smuggled in somehow or other, and will call for you in proper time to-morrow.” “Thank you,” said I; “never fear for me, for I’m all anxiety to see these young ladies of the equestrian order, whom you so pleasantly describe. Besides, old Stultz, here in the corner, has just finished my red coat, and I am all anxiety to sport it for the first time.” “Well, good-bye, lads,” said the captain; “I’m off to Tulloh’s auction, to see if I can’t pick up a cheap buggy, and a few other things I want.” So saying, he disappeared, leaving Grundy and me to ruminate on the foregoing matters. “Grundy,” said I, after a pause, “you must really get a red coat, sword, and sash, and make yourself look like a Christian, if you go to this ball to-morrow night; excuse my giving you a hint.” “I’m afraid there’s not time for it,” said Grundy, “and I have nothing of the sort as yet.” “Well, leave it to me; Chattermohun is a sharp fellow, at a pinch; and I’ll engage, with his assistance, to rig you out for the evening.” CHAPTER IX. Captain Marpeet made his appearance at the hour appointed on the following evening, and off we started for the Kidderpore school, which, by the way, is, or was, a rather large and imposing structure, at some distance from Calcutta; mussalchees, or link boys, with blazing flambeaux, scampering ahead in good, tip-top style.