The beverage most to my liking was
always the _carcara_--juice flavoured with roasted kernels, something
resembling coffee in taste. On this occasion the _carcara_ and another
favourite dish had a taste so peculiar that I pushed both aside almost
untouched. On observing this, the rest--Enva, Leenoo, Elfe, and
Eirale--took occasion to criticise the articles in question with such
remarks and grimaces as ill-bred children might venture for the
annoyance of an inexperienced sister. I hesitated to repress this
outbreak as it deserved, till Eunane's bitter mortification was
evident in her brightening colour and the doubtful, half-appealing
glance of tearful eyes. Then a rebuke, such as might have been
appropriately addressed yesterday to these rude school-girls by their
governess, at once silenced them. As we rose, I asked Eveena, who,
with more courtesy than the rest of us, had finished her portion--
"Is there any justice in these reproaches? I certainly don't like the
carcara to-day, but it does not follow that Eunane is in fault."
The rest, Eunane included, looked their annoyance at this appeal; but
Eveena's temper and kindness were proof against petulance.
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