Hilda stood for a few moments in silence, her great eyes fixed upon the Nawab’s face. Then she said,—
“May I not see him? May I not bid him farewell? That will not break the chief’s oath.”
Mushîm Khan pondered for a moment and frowned. The terrible vendetta spirit had entirely warped his nature, which was not naturally a harsh or cruel one, rendering him utterly merciless. But he answered,—
“She can see him until the hour of prayer. Then she must depart as she came.”
Hilda thanked the Nawab, then, having directed her Baluchi escort to wait for her there, without the loss of a moment, turned to follow Shere Dil Khan, who had been chosen to accompany her. As they drew near the place of Raynier’s confinement he said,—
“I have been ordered to be present throughout your interview, but I will not carry out that literally. You shall see your relation alone. This is the place.”
She entered the door he held open, then closed it behind her. She and Herbert Raynier were alone together.
“Great Heavens!” cried the latter, sitting up and rubbing his eyes with amazement. “Great Heavens! Hilda!”
“Yes, Hilda,” she answered, her eyes brimming again.
He had never seen her like this, and down went every barrier of conventionality. He had risen to his shackled feet, and now without further words she was locked in his close embrace.