a messenger. The man went in the direction of the Rajput camp. Aesha then lay down alone on the couch, and wept.
Jagat Singha opened the letter, and read as follows:—
"Prince,
"That I did not see you was not owing to any fear I felt in regard to my endurance. Pray, do not charge Aesha with want of endurance; the thought will give me pain. Osman, you know, has kindled a fire in his bosom; and I did not see you, lest I should thereby give him pain. That you should feel pain at my refusal, I could not think. As for my own pain, my happiness and misery I have resigned to the hands of God. If I had had to give you farewell personally, I would have borne that pain easily; that I could not see you, I have borne like a woman of stone.
"Why then do I write this letter? I have a request. If you have heard that I love you more than a sister, pray, forget it. I had determined not to express it in this life, but God has willed otherwise. But now forget it.
"I am not for your love. What I had to give, I have given to you. I do not ask for any return. My affection is so deep-rooted, that I am happy even without your love. But I must have done with this business.
"I saw you unhappy. If ever you see better days, inform Aesha of it;—but should you not like to do so, do not do it. If your heart ever feel pain, will you remember Aesha?
"People may blame me for writing you now, or in future. I am innocent; and you should not much care wkat they may say. Whenever you like, write to me.
"You are going away; you leave this place for the present. These Pathans are not quiet folks; so that the odds are for
