‘Then will be re-established the sovereignty of my forefathers, who reigned in India five hundred years ago. When thy coronation takes place will be fulfilled the prophecy of my father’s father who predicted that in one hundred years a woman, young, beautiful, and talented, should reign over his country, dwelling with her people in happiness and peace.’
‘How can these things be?’ mused Mercia, as she clasped her hands together oppressed with this vision of greatness.
‘The Great Test Tournament is the first step towards its attainment. In a few days it is here; victory will be ours, and India will be free to choose her own Ruler. Leave the rest to God, for thou hast no part in its arrangement. The honour will be awarded, unsought by thee.’
‘I have still all to learn concerning the Administration of this great country,’ said she reflectively. ‘It is true I am acquainted with its history from a scholar’s point of view, but practically I know nothing.
‘To rule a people successfully, we should be in perfect sympathy with them; understanding their mode of thought, customs, and prejudices; actually knowing their inner life.
‘It is impossible to rule a people justly, and legislate to meet their wants fully and completely, except we be in touch with them throughout.’
‘I will teach thee, Mercia, all this,’ said Swami eagerly. ‘I will be ever at thy side to tell thee all that thou wouldst know. See,’ said he, pointing to his noble tiers of books, for now they were in his library, ‘we two will read and study them together, and from those silent teachers of every age gain the piled-up wisdom of numerous generations, in a short space.’
‘What a treasury of ancient lore!’ exclaimed Mercia, as rising from her seat, she went from tier to tier examining their contents. ‘I shall have a continual feast—a daily enjoyment of wonderful Oriental literature, as soon as I have mastered the necessary knowledge of up-to-date administration, which of course, shall have my first attention.’
‘And by marking the mistakes of the present Administration, correct thine own,’ added Swami, as he gazed lovingly upon her every movement.
Thus conversing far into the night, on this most absorbing topic; to the one, newly-born, and deeply interesting, by reason of its approaching associations; to the other, for its memories of the past; its unsatisfactory present,—from a patriot’s point of view,—and its promise of a glorious future, the hours sped away unconsciously; till at length, Mercia felt a languor stealing over her; which Swami perceiving suddenly exclaimed—‘Dearest, thou art wearied. It is not meet to go forth at this hour. Be my guest to-night, and to-morrow we two will attend the trial, for now thou art my especial care.’ Then summoning his attendants he bade them bring in certain refreshments of jellies, and light wines; after partaking of which, the servants conducted her to a richly furnished sleeping-chamber. Amidst the pearly-tinted silken sheets, and richly embroidered coverlet, all delicately perfumed, Mercia sank into a sound and refreshing slumber, giving no thought to the trial on the morrow, or the difficulties her case would present now that she had practically accepted the king’s pardon, without her counsel’s consent.