Akbar's parental pride rose instantly.
"And why, prithee?"
The answer was nonchalant, uncompromising.
"I like not his looks."
"Yet he is not ill-favoured," protested the proud father, beginning to feel injured, "he is stalwart and young, hath fine eyes, and----"
"He is not so good looking as his father is--even now," said Mihr-un-nissa, sagely nodding her head.
"But for that 'even now' fair daughter," said Akbar nettled, "your compliments might make one shy! Then thou lovest Sher Afkân?"
The flush came again. "He is a brave soldier, anyhow," said the little maiden holding her head high.
"A brave soldier, indeed!" assented Akbar gravely, yet feeling inclined to smile, "but as for looks, hath he not a scar upon his face?"
"'Twill be a place whereon a wife may lay her kisses," retorted Mihr-un-nissa hastily, then grew crimson with shame at having inadvertently used an argument which had evidently done duty in sparring matches on the subject with her mother.