Chapter Nine.
Reginald Rajah of Allahapoor—Arrival of Captain Hawkesford—Visit to Buxsoo’s Family—The Captain taken by Surprise—A Banquet—Reginald escorts Nuna to the Residency—Meeting of Nuna and Violet.
The late rajah had been carried to the tomb of his ancestors in state, and Reginald had been duly installed as his successor amid the acclamations of the people. But remembering the warning he had received, he was very far from enjoying his new position. Willingly would he have left the country, and the Oriental magnificence in which he lived, had he not felt that it was his duty to remain and endeavour to ameliorate the condition of his subjects.
Nuna had been much grieved at the loss of her grandfather, and had hitherto been unwilling to appear in public; though she could not help looking forward with satisfaction to the greater liberty she would be able to enjoy. Reginald had had a long conversation with her about his friend Burnett; and she had confessed that she would rather become his wife than that of the most wealthy and powerful prince in the country. So Reginald, knowing his friend’s sentiments, considered the matter settled.
He took an early opportunity of telling Burnett, who thanked him heartily for having undertaken his cause with the ranee.
“You will ever find me, I trust, my dear Reginald, faithful and devoted to your interests,” he added.
“That I am very sure you will be,” said Reginald. “But, charming as my sister is, I suspect her education is not quite up to what a young English lady’s should be. We must get her better instructed in certain female accomplishments. I contemplate asking Colonel Ross to allow her to reside with his daughter in the cantonments, where she cannot fail to benefit by Violet’s example, and such instruction as she is able to impart. I wish that the colonel would get over his visit of state, that I might return it, and have the opportunity of seeing Violet, when I would broach the subject. It is tantalising to have her so near, and yet not to be able to go and see her.”
Burnett thought Reginald’s plan a very good one, and was sure that Nuna would be delighted with it.
So occupied had Reginald been since the death of the rajah, that he had been unable to write to Colonel Ross, who might possibly be still ignorant of who he was. For the same reason he had not as yet written to Violet. Managing at length to withdraw himself for a short interval from the crowd of courtiers and nobles who had arrived to pay their respects—of suppliants who came with petitions or complaints—and of officers of various grades who waited to receive orders—he had retired to the only room in which he could enjoy that privacy which he so much required. Near it was one occupied by Burnett; and on the other side was a chamber which he intended for the use of any European guest who might visit the palace.