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 siding with him, I shall blot out the name of the English from Bengal. This is why I. am actively trying to pick up a quarrel with them. Afterwards, I shall dispense with Mir Kasim. This is the best course. But how is it that this letter comes to me so unexpectedly to-day? Why has this girl rushed into so bold an undertaking?"

Forthwith, the person of whom he was thinking came in, and stood before him. Gurgan Khan gave the visitor a special seat. It was Dalani Begum herself. Gurgan Khan said to her,

"I am very glad to see you to-night after a long time. I have not seen you since you got into the Nawab's harem. But why have you taken this rash step?"

Dalani. How is it rash?

Gurgan Khan. Being the Nawab's Begum you have stolen away from your place in the night, and have come to me alone—if the Nawab comes to know of it, he will surely put both of us to death.

Dalani. If he comes to know of it at all, I shall disclose our relation. Then surely he will have no reason to be angry.

Gurgan Khan. You are a mere girl and that is why you are so very confident of what you say. We