" Robert raised
his eyebrows, for it was the first he had heard of his sister's missions
of mercy, but Mr. Raffles Haw nodded approvingly. "Robert was telling
us of your wonderful hot-houses. I am sure I wish I could transport the
whole parish into one of them, and give them a good warm."
"Nothing would be easier, but I am afraid that they might find it a
little trying when they came out again. I have one house which is only
just finished. Your brother has not seen it yet, but I think it is the
best of them all. It represents an Indian jungle, and is hot enough in
all conscience."
"I shall so look forward to seeing it," cried Laura, clasping her hands.
"It has been one of the dreams of my life to see India. I have read so
much of it, the temples, the forests, the great rivers, and the tigers.
Why, you would hardly believe it, but I have never seen a tiger except
in a picture."
"That can easily be set right," said Raffles Haw, with his quiet smile.
"Would you care to see one?"
"Oh, immensely."
"I will have one sent down. Let me see, it is nearly twelve o'clock.
I can get a wire to Liverpool by one. There is a man there who deals in
such things. I should think he would be due to-morrow morning. Well, I
shall look forward to seeing you all before very long.
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