The lapse of three weeks had paled that lady’s glowing cheeks and deepened the luster of her eyes. Not only was she worn by anxiety, in addition to the physical fatigue of the long journey from Delhi, but the day’s happenings had not helped to lighten the load of care. Yet she was genuinely amazed at seeing Malcolm.
“How come you to be here?” she cried instantly, addressing him before Abdul Huq could open his mouth in explanation.
“As your Highness can see for yourself, I am brought hither forcibly by these slaves,” said Frank, thinking that now or never must he display a bold front.
“How did you learn that I had left Delhi?”
“The journeyings of the Princess Roshinara are known to many.”
“But you came not when I summoned you.”
“Your Highness’s letter did not reach me until after the affair on the Hindun river.”
“What is all this idle talk?” broke in Abdul Huq roughly. “This Feringhi was carrying despatches—”
“Peace, dog!” cried the Begum. “Unfasten the Sahib’s arms, and be gone. What! Dost thou hesitate!”