"Then Bipin, thou must be a veritable stone of the first water," she replied. "But one thing I gather. You, at any rate, out of a multitude of aspirants for office, appear satisfied with your position."
"Noble Rani," he continued. "Satisfied am I of thy graciousness; but of the precise moment when it will be advisable for me formally to take upon myself the burden of my duties, I am not yet determined."
A look of displeasure crossed the Rani's face.
"How mean you"? she asked. "Have you, too, some petition to make that I will exchange it for one that brings a better revenue"?
"Noble Lady," he replied, "mere wealth holds out little inducement for those of intellectual worth. We, who are writers with inspired thoughts, look for a more imperishable reward; but in all events of importance it is ever well to consult those who read the future and who can discern the most auspicious moment to take an important step."
"Oh!" exclaimed the Rani. "Thou wouldst consult thy friend, the astrologer"?
Bipin bowed.
"Such is my desire, noble Lady."
"Go, then," she cried, "and get thy consultation over quickly, for I need the service of thy pen."