THE SLAVE GIRL OF AGRA
"I have worked as my fathers have worked, my Master, and my object is now within my grasp."
"So thou hast said these last six months. Raja Man Singh is away in Orissa fighting the Afghans, and his Kanangoe sleeps over our business."
"Raja Man Singh has conquered Orissa, my Master, and has annexed it to the Empire of Akbar. And he is returning to Rajmahal to confirm the order which his Kanangoe has passed."
"Passed!"
"Passed, but not proclaimed yet. As soon as this Festival is over my Master shall find himself at Debipur again!"
"Well done, faithful servant! And thinkest thou Raja Man Singh will confirm these orders? My mind misgives me when I think of the Raja's leaning towards the House of Birnagar, and the memory of Noren's grandfather still pleads eloquently for his House."
"The Raja's hands are too full for him to think of the minor of Birnagar. He has made Rajmahal the new capital of Bengal, and he wants to fortify it like his own distant abode at Amber in the sands of Rajputana."
"He is wise as he is warlike, Gokul Das, and he will consolidate Akbar's Empire in Bengal before he leaves this Province. The day of the Afghan rulers is gone for ever."
"Ay, Man Singh is not the man to leave things half done. And if rumour speaks true, he is seeking a bride in Bengal to consolidate his power."
"A bride for his warlike son, Jagat Singh?"
"A bride for himself, my Master."
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