although, from its novelty, life at captain bob's was pleasant enough, for the time; there were some few annoyances connected with it anything but agreeable to a "soul of sensibility."
prejudiced against us by the malevolent representations of the consul and others, many worthy foreigners ashore regarded us as a set of lawless vagabonds; though, truth to speak, better behaved sailors never stepped on the island, nor any who gave less trouble to the natives. but, for all this, whenever we met a respectably-dressed european, ten to one he shunned us by going over to the other side of the road. this was very unpleasant, at least to myself; though, certes, it did not prey upon the minds of the others.
to give an instance.
of a fine evening in tahiti—but they are all fine evenings there—you may see a bevy of silk bonnets and parasols passing along the broom road: perhaps a band of pale, little white urchins—sickly exotics—and, oftener still, sedate, elderly gentlemen, with canes; at whose appearance the natives, here and there, slink into their huts. these are the missionaries, their wives, and children, taking a family airing. sometimes, by the bye, they take horse, and ride down to point venus and back; a distance of several miles. at this place is settled the only survivor of the first missionaries that landed—an old, white-headed, saint-like man, by the name of wilson, the father of our friend, the consul.
the little parties on foot were frequently encountered; and, recalling, as they did, so many pleasant recollections of home and the ladies, i really longed for a dress coat and beaver that i might step up and pay my respects. but, situated as i was, this was out of the question. on one occasion, however, i received a kind, inquisitive glance from a matron in gingham. sweet lady! i have not forgotten her: her gown was a plaid.
but a glance, like hers, was not always bestowed.
one evening, passing the verandah of a missionary's dwelling, the dame, his wife, and a pretty, blonde young girl, with ringlets, were sitting there, enjoying the sea-breeze, then coming in, all cool and refreshing, from the spray of the reef. as i approached, the old lady peered hard at me; and her very cap seemed to convey a prim rebuke. the blue, english eyes, by her side, were also bent on me. but, oh heavens! what a glance to receive from such a beautiful creature! as for the mob cap, not a fig did i care for it; but, to be taken for anything but a cavalier, by the ringleted one, was absolutely unendurable.
i resolved on a courteous salute, to show my good-breeding, if nothing more. but, happening to wear a sort of turban—hereafter to be particularly alluded to—there was no taking it off and putting it on again with anything like dignity. at any rate, then, here goes a how. but, another difficulty presented itself; my loose frock was so voluminous that i doubted whether any spinal curvature would be perceptible.
"good evening, ladies," exclaimed i, at last, advancing winningly; "a delightful air from the sea, ladies."
hysterics and hartshorn! who would have thought it? the young lady screamed, and the old one came near fainting. as for myself, i retreated in double-quick time; and scarcely drew breath until safely housed in the calabooza.
