“It is for her ear alone, sahib.”
“She is ill, and cannot come to the wall.”
“Suffer me to see her, sahib, if only for a moment. My mistress bade me inquire of her health, for she has heard rumours that grieve her heart.”
“I’m sorry it’s impossible to admit you. Mrs North is doing well; you must be satisfied with that.”
“Nay, but let me see her, sahib. I dare not go back with my mistress’s commands undone.”
“It is impossible. Have you any further message?”
“I must see her. It is urgent—most necessary. Sahib, suffer me to come in.”
“Impossible. Get back to your own side as fast as you can.”
“What could she have had to say?” asked Mr Burgrave curiously, as they left the turret.
“Can’t tell. Some native remedy or charm to give her, perhaps—which might have been poison. We have no proof that the woman comes from the Begum. She may be in reality a spy of Bahram Khan’s.”