The girl rose, and departed to obey the Rani's behest.
The Rani raised a hand wearily to her forehead.
"So much discussion to appease," she murmured, "so much jealousy and envy among those who should assist, rather than thwart the only one who dared to do what has been accomplished. Love! Ah, only it seems do the poor and afflicted truly love the Rani. Even Prasad, who vows by all things sacred that my image beatifies his sleep, hath ever a favor uppermost in mind."
Presently a state duli[4] with curtains to screen the occupant from view, was carried to the entrance of the palace.
To the surprise of her servants the Rani came forth without her burkha, or long mantle, invariably worn by native ladies of rank to conceal the whole person in public.
She promptly ordered the curtains of the duli to be removed.
For a moment her servants hesitated to comply. Never before did they recollect such an order to have been given.
"What," she cried. "Dost thou not hear my command? Take those hangings away. I am not a Mohammedan, but a Hindu Rani in my own right. Of old time our princesses were not afraid to show their faces to the people. It is my pleasure that they shall know well the features of Lachmi Bai."
The curtains were hurriedly removed. The Rani entered her chair, and surrounded by her servants was borne in the direction of the city gate, through which it was expected her guru would enter.