DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.3462#0260
XIV
THE VICEROY
Towards the end of the Durbar, at a time when
one was fully able to appreciate the power of
Lord Curzon, I found myself, paint-box in hand
and trepidation in my heart, waiting an audience
with the great man. I had had many chances
of studying him before, at dinner, driving in the
streets, and at different ceremonies; but this was
to be the final sitting.
I had been shown into an ante-room by an
A.D.C., and had sat down to wait. A few
minutes later the door opened and Mr. E. T.
Reed made his appearance. " Hullo! what are
you doing here ?" I asked. " I am going to paint
the Viceroy," he answered. " Impossible!" I cried.
" Why, I am here for the same purpose!" " Then,
we shall have to paint him together," we mur-
mured as with one voice, collapsing. We sat down
183
THE VICEROY
Towards the end of the Durbar, at a time when
one was fully able to appreciate the power of
Lord Curzon, I found myself, paint-box in hand
and trepidation in my heart, waiting an audience
with the great man. I had had many chances
of studying him before, at dinner, driving in the
streets, and at different ceremonies; but this was
to be the final sitting.
I had been shown into an ante-room by an
A.D.C., and had sat down to wait. A few
minutes later the door opened and Mr. E. T.
Reed made his appearance. " Hullo! what are
you doing here ?" I asked. " I am going to paint
the Viceroy," he answered. " Impossible!" I cried.
" Why, I am here for the same purpose!" " Then,
we shall have to paint him together," we mur-
mured as with one voice, collapsing. We sat down
183