‘Thank you; very kind of you, madam. What God wills happens.’ This was the fifth subject on the list; she was upsetting the order. How could one switch from that to being honoured in the New Year’s list! ‘Madam and madam’s husband have been most kind to me and my family. I cannot find words to express my heartfelt gratitude.’

Joyce Taylor made a one word comment: ‘Rubbish.’ Her husband softened it. ‘Not at all, Buta Singh. The last few months must have been somewhat trying for you all.’

Trying! These British with their understatements! It was like going through hell. Buta Singh answered in the same tone, ‘Yes, sir, very trying.’ Joyce Taylor went out to order tea. Buta Singh got the chance to tick off the first of the ‘Five Beloved.’

‘Sir, I must thank you again for my title. It is a great honour.

‘I am glad it came through, Buta Singh. You have done so much for the war effort. I was not sure if the people at the top would appreciate it. I was afraid somebody might distort this business of your son’s and hold it against you. People are apt to be like that.’

‘For that I have to thank my late wife, sir. She was the one to give good counsel to my son. I was too angry and disappointed at his disloyal behavior. He had washed out the loyal services of four generations. I was relieved that in the end he redeemed it.’

Taylor looked a little puzzled. The expression on the Indian’s face convinced Taylor that Buta Singh did not know what had passed between his wife and son in the lock-up. Taylor decided not to tell him. ‘Your wife must have been a great influence on the family,’ he remarked.

‘She was old-fashioned and would not learn English,’ answered Buta Singh. ‘You know, sir, I got her many teachers, but she absolutely failed to learn the language. She was a very religious woman—she prayed all the time. This was again number five. His son came before her. ‘She was very keen that Sher Singh should give up politics and take up a steady job. If he could be fixed up somewhere in the government of India, I would be very happy.’

Taylor knew what the other was driving at. ‘Sure, Buta Singh, I shall be only too pleased to help. Not that I count for much in the government of India.

‘How can you say that, sir? One word from you and everything will be done.’ Buta Singh was happy. He would bring up the subject again when he had found out what to apply for and to whom.