The girls came down for tea, and slipped quietly into the drawing room. The
walls were high, and two large swords hung on the wall, imposingly set. 

The table was set with several dishes of curry, biscuits and bread. Sama
didn't realize how hungry she was until she smelled the food, pungent and
spicy.

Nigel came in and set down a large tea-pot, and a small tray with crumpets
and jam.

The girls found a place at the table, the room feeling stiff and formal.
Nigel fussed for a moment, setting things just right, and stopped just as
their Uncle Ram came in. 

He stood at the end of table for a moment, and Meera thought he looked like
someone out of an old painting, tall and imposing, turban and swords,
looking like a warrior or a fighting prince.

He sat, and Nigel looked relieved, a bit like a cat when the neighbor's dog
is finally called home for dinner, she thought. 

They ate, mostly in silence until Uncle Ram stood up, and said "Good night"
to the table and left.

"Nigel? Is he always like this? So serious?"

"Most of the time." He looked visibly relaxed without Uncle Ram in the room.
"He's a good man, pays fairly for help, gives sunday off without any
question. But he is most definitely a stern and serious man."

Meera sighed a bit. The large house felt lonely, and with only four people
in it, all the more so.