Directly I had arrived at the garden I had sent in my salaams to the Sultana. She, with the bride and the attendants of the Harem were in a small walled garden apart. His Highness the Amîr was not present. He was still suffering somewhat from the gouty attack. By-and-bye Mr. Pyne and the Engineers arrived, and they came to my tent. At noon the Sultana gave orders for lunch to be served to us. It was cooked in the native fashion, and consisted of pilau and the various other native dishes. After lunch Mr. Pyne and the Engineers went to pay their respects to the Prince and then started for home again; but the Sultana sent a request for them to stay longer. The Armenian enquired if we should like some music, and he sent for a band of pipers. They marched with their bagpipes up and down in front of the tent playing Scotch and Afghan tunes. There were several other bands about the garden--brass bands and native string bands--playing military and native music. There were dancing boys, conjurers, and nautch girls. The chief men lunched in tents and the crowds of people had a picnic on the grass; pilau and bread being provided for them. About two the Sultana sent a huge tray of sweetmeats with which we regaled ourselves. At half-past two the fête was over and we came away. The roads were lined with troops, for the Sultana, the ladies, and the Princes had not yet left. For a few days before and after the wedding volleys of musketry were fired at intervals, and bands were playing nearly all day. I heard a story at the time about the Prince and his Bride which is interesting. When the Prince was very small he was very fond of a particular girl in the Harem--a gentlewoman--and he said that when he was old enough he would make her his wife. The girl was considerably older than he was, and it is said that in the course of years the Prince’s views changed. His Highness the Amîr, however, decided that since he was a Prince, and had passed his word, he should certainly keep it. In due time the word was kept. This was the wedding. [Sidenote: Troubles of a Ruler.]