LIFE AND LETTERS OF JOSEPH HARDY NEESIMA

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252 TO EUROPE AND AMERICA AGAIN. see the peaks of Ceylon in the distance, though I do not yet smell the odors of those famous spices! We shall change our steamer to-morrow at Colombo and may have a chance to see that famous prisoner Arabi Pasha, as also to visit the temples of Kandy. I feel more and more what a rare opportunity I am en­joying, and think of those Italian cities before me; but above ail I am thankful that I am once more invited to my dear America to see yon. My heart constantly goes back to my dearly beloved Japan. I can only say for her sake I am now here. 29th. We entered the harbor of Colombo early in the morning. The harbor is protected by a finely built breakwater on which is a railway and lighthouse. I drove with my Japanese friend to the house of Arabi Pasha. Leaving our catTiage at the gate we entered the grounds. A young man came to ask us what we wanted. We presented our cards and told him we came to call upon Arabi Pasha. While we were talk­ing we saw a tall man dressed in white walking to and fro under the palm-trees. The young man took us to that gentleman and presented him our cards. He was glad to see us and ordered chairs. We exchanged salutations in the Oriental fashion. He asked the ob· ject of our visit, and whether we were going to Eng­land. He asked, also, where we learned English. We informed him that English was extensively taught in Japan. He then inquired whether England had possessions in Japan. We replied, of course, in the negative. Our conversation was interrupted by a short visit from some English ladies. He seemed to take more of a fancy to us than to his English visitors, but when I came to draw out something about Egypt he showed dislike to any conversation on that subject,

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