human
Oh, we have had such fun, mother; the children have been romping together, and I and some of the girls were as mad as any of them. I would thou hadst been there. But why art thou so grave: there is no bad news?
gpt
I have a grave task to do, daughter, she replied.
human
Get thy writing materials, and I will dictate. Thou canst be trusted; but I fear the secretaries, and what I tell thee must be secret till all know it.
gpt
And now read it all over to me again, child. While it was in my mind the purport seemed uncertain; but now that it is on paper, methinks it is clear enough.
human
What should I do without thee, darling? she said.
gpt
Now go and play with the children again; but be within call.
human
Is Humeed Khan without? asked the Queen of an attendant eunuch.
gpt
If so, tell him I wish to speak with him;
human
And the mine hath been discovered, said the Queen,
gpt
I have, he said.
human
It was dangerous; but Abbas Khan has already prevented mischief, and is searching for others.
gpt
And the garrison; what said they?
human
There was some excitement at first, but it has subsided. All they cried was that they would defend the fort to the last, and you should lead them to victory, as you did when they followed the Standard of the Veil.
gpt
Ah! said the Queen, with a sigh,