were, with the very movement of her body, like ripples caused at the slightest agitation in deep waters.
Now, the fair lady took up a little harp, and with a sweet gentle voice began to sing softly, as if she was afraid of listeners. Just then, she heard the greetings of the waiting guards and the footsteps of the Tanjam* carriers. The girl got startled. She walked up to the entrance in great hurry, and found the Nawab's Tanjam there. Nawab Mir Kasim Ali Khan alighted from the Tanjam, and entered into the chamber. "Dalani Bibi, what were you singing just now?" inquired the Nawab pleasantly, as he took his seat. The name of the young lady was probably Doulatunnissa. The Nawab used to call her Dalani, perhaps, to abbreviate her name. So, every one in the palace called her Dalani Bibi or Dalani Begum. Dalani, out of bashfulness, remained silent with downcast eyes. To her misfortune the Nawab said, "Just sing again what you had been singing. I would like to hear it." Now, everything was upset—the strings of the harp became rebellious—nothing could set them in proper tune. She laid aside the harp and took up a violin. The violin again, it seemed,
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