"the rifle flashed out with a loud report, and the great tawny beast sprang to
one side and then rolled over in the stillness of death. in a moment a crowd
of excited natives had swarmed on to the scene, and their shouting speedily
carried the glad news to the village, where a thumping of tom-toms took up
the chorus of triumph. and their triumph and rejoicing found a ready echo in
the heart of mrs. packletide; already that luncheon-party in curzon street
seemed immeasurably nearer."
what is ironic about this passage?