'Mrs. Lyster showed some animation when Gumilcund was mentioned.
'"I have heard of the little State as one of the happiest and quite the most wisely governed in India. Are you," looking at me doubtfully, "the Rajah?"
'I drew back from the light and put on all my dignity. "Madam," I said, bowing low, "I have at least great influence in Gumilcund, and that, with everything else I possess, is at your service."
'"Everything, except your Excellency's time," said Mrs. Lyster, with a touch of her old spirit which enchanted me.
'Keeping myself well in hand, I made another ceremonious reverence. "My gracious lady must know," I said, "that my time is not my own. If it were, she would be welcome to it."
'"To whom does your Highness's time belong?" she asked.
'"To the God whom I have worshipped from my birth," I answered. "I will speak to you frankly, for you are of those who can understand. I have bound myself under a solemn vow to find and rescue an English lady from whom I have received many kindnesses."
'"Is she in danger?" asked Mrs. Lyster.
'"I have reason to believe so," I answered.
'"A prisoner? English?" she asked eagerly.