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94 "Yes. Only the royal assent is wanting. No contract is valid without the royal warrant."

"What is the use of my permission? Whom you mean to help afloat in the ocean of bliss?"

"Because the slave has served her Emperor she can never be held unchaste. The slave craves permission to marry her own husband."

"Indeed! What would be the fate of this old slave then?"

"He shall be left to the care of Meherunnisha, the prospective mistress of Delhi."

"Who is this Delhi mistress Meherunnisha?"

"She who is in the running."

Jehangir thought that Luthfunnisha must have been boldly confident that Meherunnisha was the Empress elect of Delhi. As she had quite a way to go with the chance of being jockeyed out of the objects of her ambition she wished in disgust to retire from her harem life. This feeling sorely pressed down upon Jehangir's heart and he remained silent.

"Does your Majesty veto this proposal?"

"I can not withold my assent. But where is the necessity of marrying a husband?"

"Ill-starred as I am, the husband of my first marriage sought a divorce from me. Now he shall dare not forsake His Majesty's slave-girl."

The Badshah had a jocund laugh which shortly stiffened down into a rigid expression.

"My darling, you are given a 'carte blanche'" joined he "If you have the inclination, then follow the