Page:Wonder Tales from Tibet.djvu/171

Rh by day he became more disappointed and unhappy. It grieved the courtiers and the people to see this, but above all it grieved Saran, his faithful friend, until at last he could stand it no longer and, going to Schalu, he said:

"My dear Master, my heart is nigh dead within me to see you, the best of men and of monarchs, so sorrowful. I pray you, let me advise you! It seems to me, Sire, that the queen must bear some hidden grief in her heart, else she would surely give you her love. Perhaps, if we could discover what her trouble is, we could cure it and make her the loving wife you so desire."

"Saran, my friend," said the Khan wearily, "have I not tried every means in my power to win the queen's love and confidence—and all to no avail?" "Then let me try," said Saran eagerly, "for my heart tells me I shall succeed even where my royal master has failed."

"Very well," said Schalu, but he spoke without hope or interest.