Dalani mentally applauded the Lord of Bengal a hundred times, and aloud she said, “Lord of my life! what should I say in reply? But I have got one requestto make—don’t go to the war yourself.”
“In a matter like this, is it right for the Nawab of Bengal to listen to the advice of a woman, or is it proper for her to offer any such advice?”
Dalani felt abashed and sorry, and said, “I crave your pardon, I have spoken thoughtlessly. A woman’s mind is not easily allayed, therefore I have said these things. But I have got another request.”
“What is it?”
“Will you take me to the war with you?”
“Why, are you going to fight? Tell me I will dismiss Gurgan Khan and appoint you instead.”
Dalani was again covered with shame and remained tongue—tied. “Why do you wish to go?” asked Mir Kasim affectionately.
“Because I want to keep with you.”
Mir Kasim did not consent; he would never consent to it.
“My liege!” said Dalani with a soft smile, “you can predict the future. Tell me where I shall be during the war."
“In that case let me have the standish,” said Mir Kasim smiling.
A serving-maid brought a golden standish at Dalani‘s bidding.
Mir Kasim had learnt astrology from the Hindus. Following his teachings he cast figures and began to calculate. After a while he flung the paper at a distance, and sat morose. “What do you find?” asked Dalani.
“What I find,” answered Mir Kasim, “is very strange. You had better not hear it.”
