"Content you, Sir," replied Bimala. "I provided for that when I came out."
"Is there any secret passage?" asked the Prince laughing.
"Where the thief is," returned Bimala laughing, "there's the breach."
"Bimala," said the Prince after a pause, "I needn't go any farther. I'll wait in the mangoe wood by the castle. I beseech you, do you earnestly implore your companion in my name. I long to bless my eyes once more with a sight of her,—be it after a fortnight; a month—or even a year."
"Yonder mangoe grove is not solitary enough. Pray, Sir, come with me."
Prince. "How far?"
Bimala. "Into the castle."
The Prince mused a little, and then said, "No, Bimala, I may not do this. I never will enter the castle without the permission of its lord."
"What do you fear, Sir?" asked Bimala.
"Princes"—replied he haughtily-—"Princes never fear to go any where. But, pray, consider whether it becomes the son of Abnir's lord to steal into the castle without the express knowledge of its master."
"It is I," said Bimala "who am taking you in."
"I beseech you," returned the Prince, "don't you think I am slighting you as a maid-servant, if I enquire what right you have to welcome me into the castle."
"You will not go" asked Bimala—"unless you know my right?"
"Never"—was the answer.
