Fyz-ool-Nissa, the King's wife, was as yet a girl, not, indeed, much older than Zyna herself. She could not be called beautiful, but there was a frank pleasant expression in her fair countenance which was irresistibly pleasing. The delicate hands and arms, sparkling with jewels, were all that could be seen of her person, buried as it was amidst the cloud of drapery which shrouded her as she sat on the King's seat in the oriel, and seemed an earnest of its grace; as also, indeed, her small graceful head and neck, which were loaded with costly pearl ornaments. "The wife and daughter of the noble Afzool Khan are always welcome," said the Bégum, in her low sweet voice. "Come and sit here by me; 'tis a fair sight to see all the gallant people assembling, and they say it will be a great Durbar. And this is Zyna-bee? Ah, girl, they have often told me thou wert fair, but----Well, I had better not say it. Come here, child, I am thy mother too; they tell me I have many children," she said, laughing. "O, so many!" "May God fill your lap with them, may they climb about you, and may you live a hundred years to see them!" said Lurlee, earnestly. "And here is one already," said the Bégum, seating Zyna beside her. "Ah, girl, we will have such a marriage for thee soon----" As Zyna bowed down blushingly, Lurlee seized the opportunity of pressing her suit. "Lady," she said, putting up her hands in a respectful attitude, "thine ear for a moment. I had a petition----" "Ah, Khánum!" returned Fyz-ool-Nissa, with a look of disappointment; "I had marked this day for rejoicing; for the heavy cloud which has hung over my head so long is gone, and thou hast brought me a petition, and I hate them. I never get matters arranged as I like, and am vexed----To-morrow, lady?" "Only for my husband would I speak," replied Lurlee, firmly. "He and his son were decoyed to the Kótwallee early to-day, and they cannot get to the King. It must not be that Afzool Khan is counted a laggard. O lady----!" and here Lurlee, unable to contain herself longer, burst into tears. Fyz-ool-Nissa looked to Zyna, and saw a confirmation of Lurlee's tale in the face--in those great eyes brimful of tears, and quivering lips. "Hush!" said the Bégum, "this must not be known. O that there were any one to write!" "I--I can write," said Zyna, timidly. "Thou, girl? well done! Now," she continued, as an attendant brought a writing-case, "write what thou wilt, but be quick." It was soon done. A few words, but enough for the purpose. "Canst thou sign it, lady?" asked Zyna. "Yes, child, 'tis all they could ever teach me," replied the Bégum, laughing; "and here is my seal, too. Ah! thou art a little clerk." "Her father makes her write his letters," said Lurlee, apologetically, as the Bégum clapped her hands, and an old eunuch, who had been standing at the foot of the room, advanced. "This must go to my lord instantly," said the Queen; "some one thou canst count on must take it, Daood, for me."