Gradually Kasim lead him to talk of his city, of his home, of his family; he earnestly wished to know more particulars of the Khanum, of her early life, and her ill-assorted marriage. Zoolfoo mentioned his sister.
‘Ay, her who thou saidst was servant in the Khanum’s family.’
‘The same: she was the Khanum’s nurse for awhile, and she is very fond of her.’
‘Why did she not bring her then?’
‘She wished to come, but the Khan said she would be a trouble on the road, and he left her behind; but—’
‘Perhaps the Khanum did not wish it?’
‘Not wish it? Sir, she was grieved to part with her, for she had tended her from her birth, and loved her as her own daughter.’
‘Then you have often heard of her?’
‘I have, a thousand times. My sister was her own attendant, and never quitted her till the hour of her departure.’
‘Know you then how she came to marry the Khan? You said once before that he was of no family.’