Chapter VIII.
A Tempter.
Once more the lovely lady of Allahabad sat on the balcony looking out towards the far-away mountains, from whence, now long ago, had approached the eagerly awaited one. Nothing had changed since that time: the same calm, silver waters and thick shade of trees, and far beyond the mountain tops, while the same cloudless sunshine lighted up the whole landscape. Ah! if only he were as unchanged—he that now took part in all the dissipation of the court and the many pleasures of the great city. Did he still think of her, and daily regard her likeness as she did his? These doubts, that had involuntarily arisen in her mind, appeared to Iravati an injury to the man whom she esteemed as highly as she loved him, and who at their last interview had so fervently pledged his word to her, and had repeated the same promises in his letters. But these had now for some time ceased. And why did he not return to her? Could he remain so long parted without making any effort to see her again, even if it were but for a day? Without doubt his duty prevented him, and he was not yet able to obtain leave of absence. But oh! how long was the time, and how the days and hours appeared to creep, as she waited and watched alone!
As on that morning long ago, her musings were interrupted by the appearance of her father the Governor.
“Iravati,” he said, in his usual measured tones, “a guest has arrived.”
He had come, then; he already awaited her; and her whole heart was filled with impatient joy, but of which she showed no trace.
“A guest,” continued Salhana, “that for you to receive will be as great an honour as a pleasure. It is Salim the Prince, who, in obedience to his father’s wishes, comes to pass some time at Allahabad.”
With a great effort Iravati concealed her bitter disappointment; but to speak was to her impossible.
“Well,” asked Salhana, “is not the news welcome to you? There are many who would give all they possess to enjoy the honour that awaits you. Naturally I do not wish that any of the Prince’s followers should see you, but the future emperor is different; and it may be of importance both to me and to Siddha that you should gain his favour. Follow me.”