THE SLAVE GIRL OF AGRA
spake at last the imperious woman in a voice of command, "they ill befit a warrior and scarcely conceal a man."
Noren walked out of the room and came back in his soldier's dress. Mihr-un-Nissa looked at him again and spoke.
"This is the young chief of an ancient Bengal House who was wounded in the Emperor's service and was brought unconscious to Agra?"
"He is, so please you, noble Begum," replied Jelekha.
"And his grandfather stood faithful to the Emperor's cause when the Afghans assailed the Empire and Raja Todar Mull nearly lost his footing?"
Jelekha was silent, but Noren replied humbly, "Little help, august lady, can our humble House render to the Imperial troops, but my noble grandfather staked his life for the cause, and your humble servant shall not be found wanting."
"The soldier speaks well," said Mihr-un-Nissa, "though he speaks the tongue of Agra imperfectly. But tell me, Jelekha, how he first secured admission to the fort."
"His life was despaired of, great lady, and Raja Man Singh obtained royal assent for his admission to the Amber Guest House. The Raja's aunt—the honoured Queen of our august Emperor—sent her physicians to look after the friendless Bengal chief, and my royal mistress, Queen Jodh Bai, also made kind inquiries of him."
"Fortunate is the young soldier to have received such favours from Queens so noble and great, but Rajput Queens know how to honour a warrior who has served the Emperor and risked his life in his cause."
