SHE MISSED A THRONE
ness and goodness of its new Lord, and I wished not to leave Rajmahal without seeing his lovely bride. Hindu ladies seldom visit us, but thou art kind, dear lady, as thou art beautiful."
"Nay, Begum Saheba, it is I who am honoured by thy invitation. My husband has heard of thy noble husband, and a braver Chief lives not in this land. It is my good fortune to meet his august Begum."
"Thou speakest sweetly, lady, as thy looks are sweet. Verily Bengal is the home of beautiful women with soft eyes and sweet, musical voices. But call me not august, dear sister; call me a sister and a friend, for such I should like to be unto thee."
"Thou art kind and condescending, sister Begum. It becomes thy exalted rank."
"Little of rank have we, gentle sister, and we are but strangers in this land. My husband needs friends, powerful and great as thy husband, for many are those who would like to see him fall; and I too, though a Moslem, would cherish a Hindu lady of thy position and virtues among my dearest friends."
The sweetness of Mihr-un-Nissa and the ring of truth and sincerity with which she spoke had their desired effect. In a few moments Hemlata felt at her ease, and spoke pleasantly and freely to her hostess, as to a friend she had long known.
"Tell me something about thy home at Debipur; tell me, sister, something about thy people."
"Our house is in mourning, sister Begum, for my father, who was its head, died not many weeks ago. My mother goes to Mathura to pass the remainder of her days in religious devotions, and we shall see her settled there before we return home."
"So I have heard from my slave-girls. Thy father
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