In a few moments she returned, and bade me follow her. I obeyed her, and in the next instant was in the presence of the unknown, who was hidden from my sight by an envious sheet, which covered the whole of her person, and her face was turned away from me towards the wall. "Lady," said I, "your slave is come; and aught that he can do for one so lovely he will perform to the utmost of his power. Speak! your commands are on my head and eyes." "Byto," she said in a low, timid voice. "I have somewhat to ask thee." I obeyed, and seated myself at a respectful distance from her on the carpet. "You will think me bold and shameless, I fear, stranger," said she, "for thus admitting you to my presence, nay even to my chamber; but, alas! I am a widow, and need the protection you are able perhaps to afford me. Which way do you travel?" "Towards Nagpoor," I replied; "I purpose leaving this miserable place early to-morrow, and I have come from Jubbulpoor." "From whence I have also come," she said, "and I am going too to Nagpoor. Ah, my destiny is good which has sent me one who will protect the lonely and friendless widow!" "It is strange, lady," said I, "that we did not meet before, having come the same road." "No," she replied, "it is not, since I was behind you. I heard you were before me, and I travelled fast to overtake you. We have now met, and as I must proceed the remainder of my journey alone, I implore you to allow me for the stage to join your party, with which, as I hear it is a large one, I shall be safe, and free from anxiety." "Your wish is granted, lady," I said; "and any protection against the dangers of the way which your poor slave can afford shall be cheerfully given. I will send a man early to awaken you, and promise that I will not leave the village without you." She salamed to me gracefully, and in doing so the sheet, as if by accident, partly fell from her face, and disclosed again to my enraptured view the features I had beheld from a distance. Sahib, the shock was overpowering, and every nerve in my body tingled; only that a sense of decency restrained me, I had risen and thrown myself at her feet; but while a blush, as though of shame, mantled over her countenance, and she hastily withdrew the glance she had for an instant fixed on me, she replaced the sheet and again turned to the wall, bending her head towards the ground. I thought it had been purely accidental, and the action at the time convinced me that she was really what she represented herself to be; and fearing that my longer presence would not be agreeable or decent, I asked her if she had any further commands and for permission to depart. "No," said she, "I have no further favour to beg, save to know the name of him to whom I am indebted for this act of kindness." "My name is Ameer Ali," said I; "a poor syud of Hindostan."