'  A  gallant  sight !  is  it  not,  fairest  ?  and  a  gallant  and  noble
patron  of  soldiers  do  we  serve — one  who  hath  not  his  equal  in
Hind.     Say,  didst  thou  ever  see  such  at  thy  city  ? '

'  No,  in  truth,'  said  Ameena,  who  had  risen  to  receive  her  lord ;
'  but  thou  knowest  we  lived  in  a  quiet  street  of  the  city,  so  that
few  cavaliers  passed  that  way;  nevertheless,  we  have  brave
soldiers  there  also.  I  would  I  could  live  among  such  scenes
always,'  she  added ;  '  it  is  pleasant  to  sit  and  look  out  on  men  of
such  gallant  bearing.'

'  I  am  afraid  thou  wilt  not  see  so  much  within  the  Fort,'  said
the  Khan ;  '  nevertheless,  my  house  is  in  the  main  thoroughfare,
and  there  are  always  men  passing.'

'  And  when  are  we  to  remove  there,  my  lord  ? '  asked  Ameena
timidly,  for  she  feared  the  introduction  to  the  wives  more  than
she  dared  express.  '  Methinks  I  should  live  as  well  here  as  there  ;
and  I  have  been  now  so  much  accustomed  to  the  tents,  that  a
house  would  appear  a  confinement  to  me.'

'  Why,  fairest,  thou  shouldest  remain  in  them,  only  that  they
want  repair  very  much,  and  we  have  prospect  of  immediate
service ;  besides,  the  house  is  all  prepared  for  thee,  and  I  long  to
make  my  rose  mistress  of  what  is  hers  in  right ;  so  we  will  go
thither  this  afternoon.  Zoolfoo  has  orders  to  prepare  our  evening'
meaL'

'  And  they — '  she  could  not  say  wives —

*  Fear  not ;  they  will  be  prepared  to  receive  thee  with  honour.
