"O my Lord, thou must see how poorly I am attired in honor of so great an event. I would retire for a short space, to adorn my neck with jewels, and my hair with flowers; so that I may appear worthy of the noble Ahmad Khan's approval." Blinded by vanity, he was flattered and deceived by her cajolery. He stretched forth his arms to enfold her in an embrace. "Thou shadow of an _houri_," he exclaimed amorously. She eluded him by a quick movement. "In a little," she returned, playfully. "See that thou waitest until I come again to thee. Then shalt thou swear by thy Prophet's beard, that Lachmi Bai hath wit as well as beauty." "Until death," he replied, "only tarry not too long, Fair One." She cast toward him an enthralling glance, and passing from the hall, hurried to the inner apartments of the palace. "Now by Allah"! he reflected, exultingly. "The fortune of Ahmad Khan, the Humble Servant of God, doth rise as the sun in a cloudless heaven." The Rani's action was swift and silent. She summoned those upon whom she could rely and spoke in urgent accents. "Go quickly," she commanded to one, "into the bazaars and summon all my people to the courtyard of the palace." To another, "Let my retainers arm themselves and guard every outlet so that no man passes in or forth. Tell Prasad and my officers, that I need their presence on the balcony overlooking the main entrance. Go, with wings on your feet. Hasten, for there is no time to be lost." She passed into a private chamber and hastily arrayed herself in a magnificent embroidered _sari_, the silken clinging texture of which displayed her form to its perfection of royal beauty. Round her neck she hung ropes of pearls, and in her hair she entwined a wreath of fragrant blossoms. Thus attired she proceeded to the wide balcony overlooking the courtyard. A throng of people had gathered and crowded about the main entrance. Others were hurrying from the bazaars and side streets at the bidding of the Rani's messengers. With animated countenances, they asked of each other the meaning of the summons. Behind the domes and turrets of the rock citadel, the sun was sinking toward the horizon. It cast broad shadows over the courtyard, now filling rapidly with a surging, excited, human mass. The Rani was quickly joined by Prasad and officers faithful to her service. With these in attendance she moved to the edge of the parapet. Immediately an outburst of enthusiasm rose from the people, gathering in force until a great shout filled the air about the palace. "Lachmi Bai. Lachmi Bai. Rani of Jhansi," they cried. She leaned over the parapet and smiled. Again the cry rose, "Lachmi Bai. Lachmi Bai. Rani of Jhansi." She raised her hand to enjoin silence. Gradually the tumult ceased. Then she spoke to them. Her resonant, clear, voice filled the open space. Each word fell musically upon the ears of her audience.