Ahmad's countenance remained impassive, while Prasad's gathered a look of eager expectancy. "It is," the Rani continued, "partly to gain your approval of such appointments that I have called you to this _Darbar_. By such action, I trust, no jealousies will be aroused, no mistakes made that will stir up internal discord." She paused for a moment, but as the countenances of the nobles thus far indicated approval of her words, she resumed. "First, it is my desire that my honored _Guru_ present, whose advice hath ever been of great benefit to me since my childhood, shall occupy the office of minister of state. In choosing him, you all know I am but following many ancient precedents, whereby _Gurus_ of kings and princes have, by their wisdom, added luster to the crowns worn by their godchildren. Have I your approval of the appointment"? Perhaps for the reason that no one particularly aspired to the office, perhaps because they might have thought there was little to be feared in the person of the venerable form at the Rani's side, the reply came unanimously, that the Rani's worthy _Guru_ should be appointed her minister of state. "It is well, my lords," she cried. "Now to a more difficult matter. It must be known to you all that an army without a chief commander, whose orders must be obeyed by everyone without question, is a mere rabble in the face of the enemy. But the difficulty in Jhansi is, that all my officers are so brave and competent, that to single one out from amongst the others for the high honor in my gift, is an impossibility. I have, therefore, to suggest a remedy in this way." She moved forward to the edge of the dais and stood before them, a majestic figure. "My Lords," she cried, stretching forth an arm. "I, Lachmi Bai, the Rani, will command the forces of the State. If anyone doth say me, nay, he hath the right to let his voice be heard in council. I will listen to him patiently." At critical moments in the lives of those destined to play heroic parts in the eyes of their fellow creatures, it not infrequently happens, that nature appears to cast a vote in their favor, by a striking manifestation of sympathetic accord. To many, such may be no more than coincidences, but to some, particularly to the Oriental, they are fraught with deep significance.