“If your Majesty can only admire my face,” said she, “I fear you must go where you will be better served.”
“Ohé, here is a prude! Come, accept my price and let me take my compliments elsewhere.”
“And what shall I say when I render short account to the Sultana?”
“Tell her that the King thought you ill-looking, so he showed you no favor.”
“Your Majesty is reputed a better judge of women’s nature. Then, indeed, the Sultana would regard me curiously.”
“Oh, go to! You are vain as a peacock. Here, not a pice more!”
He threw down some copper coins, and affected to drop a number of gold pieces by accident. The lady promptly covered them with a fold of her sari, and Akbar strolled away to another stall. Among the money she found a rare pearl, and the gift of a jewel was a signal sign of royal favor.
“They tell me an elephant broke loose outside the Diwán’s house last night,” said Akbar, stopping in front of Walter and eying him keenly.
“For a little while I fancied it was a whole menagerie, your Majesty,” was the quick answer.