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 Both remained silent for a long while, their hands continuing joined as before. Aesha bent down her face over them.

All of a sudden the Prince started, for a warm tear-drop had fallen on his hand.

Lowering his head, the Prince examined the lovely countenance of Aesha, and saw tears streaming plentifully down her cheeks.

"Gracious Heaven!" exclaimed he, in surprise; "what is this, Aesha? Why are you weeping?"

Without returning any answer, she gently pulled Jagat Singha's hand, and made him sit down beside her on the couch.

When he had sat, she again took his hand and said,

"Prince! I did not dream that I should have to bid you farewell in this manner. I can suffer a great deal—but I can never suffer the thought of leaving you in prison, under this extreme anguish. Come out with me, I beseech you;—I will give you a horse from our stables; escape to your father's camp this very night."

Had his guardian angel appeared before him personally, to confer blessings on him, the Prince could not have been struck with greater surprise. He was speechless from very astonishment.

"Jagat Singha! Prince! come, O come," again importuned she.

"Aesha," said he, after a pause, "you will set me free?"

"Yes, instantly"—replied Aesha.

Prince. "Without your father's knowledge?"

Aesha. "No fear; I will break the matter to him when you shall have been beyond his reach."