Page:The Slave Girl of Agra.djvu/76

 erected for the accommodation of men of rank in Birnagar; and a separate pavilion, carefully screened, had been put up for the ladies of the Birnagar House.

Sixteen boats had been manned by sixteen chosen villages of Birnagar and Debipur estates, renowned for their boatmanship. The boats were similar in shape and length, and each was manned by twenty rowers and a helmsman. Nobo Kumar was to be the judge, and he had wisely selected two officers of the Birnagar House of the highest rank to assist him.

Before Nobo Kumar issued from his house he saw his wife and told her of the arrangements which had been made in the ladies' pavilion.

"I thank thee, my husband, for thy thoughtful kindness," said his wife. "We shall enjoy this sight immensely, and our dear Hemlata is fond of seeing such races. As a little girl she used to go boating on the Ganges when Noren used to take the oar."

"Thou art clever, my lady, and few there are who can move thee from thy purpose. Our endeavours have borne fruit, and we go to Debipur after these festivities. An Imperial Agent comes to manage Birnagar estate."

"And Noren comes and lives with us till he is of age?"

"Noren is his own master," said Nobo Kumar, "but if he wishes to come to Debipur as a guest the gates of our ancient house have never been closed against a scion of a noble house who seeks our hospitality."

"That will do," said his wife to herself. "A woman's wit will manage the rest."