feeding-lamb fashion as Dickon knelt giving it milk from its bottle. A
squirrel was perched on Dickon s bent back attentively nibbling a nut.
The little girl from India was sitting on a big footstool looking on.
Here is Mr. Roach, Master Colin, said Mrs. Medlock.
The young Rajah turned and looked his servitor over at least that was
what the head gardener felt happened.
Oh, you are Roach, are you? he said. I sent for you to give you some
very important orders.
Very good, sir, answered Roach, wondering if he was to receive
instructions to fell all the oaks in the park or to transform the
orchards into water-gardens.
I am going out in my chair this afternoon, said Colin. If the fresh
air agrees with me I may go out every day. When I go, none of the
gardeners are to be anywhere near the Long Walk by the garden walls. No
one is to be there. I shall go out about two o clock and everyone must
keep away until I send word that they may go back to their work.
Very good, sir, replied Mr. Roach, much relieved to hear that the
oaks might remain and that the orchards were safe.
Mary, said Colin, turning to her, what is that thing you say in
India when you have finished talking and want people to go?
You say, You have my permission to go, answered Mary.
The Rajah waved his hand.
You have my permission to go, Roach, he said. But, remember, this is
very important.
Caw Caw! remarked the crow hoarsely but not impolitely.
Very good, sir. Thank you, sir, said Mr. Roach, and Mrs. Medlock took
him out of the room.
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