Now the music began, and the dancing, as musicians and women moved to the center of the hall. Servants circulated with more betel leaves and _sharbat_, and Arangbar took his first ball of opium. Hawksworth glanced guardedly at the queen. Her manner was imperious, regal, everything a sovereign should be. Everything Allaudin was not. And, he thought, probably a lot Arangbar himself is not. She'll soon have India by the _cojones_, not a doubt on it. And then it's farewell Jadar. And probably farewell Arangbar too. Will I get a signed _firman _for trade before it's too late? As midnight neared, the music and dance were suddenly interrupted by trumpets and a drum roll and shouts of "the bride comes." The curtains covering a large doorway leading into the palace were drawn open, and a closed palanquin was brought in by four eunuchs. It was accompanied by veiled women singing something Hawksworth did not understand. The palanquin was carried to the center of the room, where a low platform covered with gold brocade had been positioned, and then the eunuchs lowered it to the marble floor. The curtains were drawn aside and a veiled woman emerged, her small body almost smothered in a dress that seemed made of multiple layers of beaten gold. She was helped to the middle of the platform, still wearing a veil that covered her entire face. Chants of "Hail to the bride" arose on all sides. Then Allaudin was escorted forward, taking his place on the platform beside her. He stole a quick, distasteful glance at the veiled figure beside him, then an official smile illuminated his face and he sat patiently as the _qazi _was summoned in front of them. The official was bearded, stern- faced, and transparently arrogant. He stood before the veiled bride and motioned around him for silence. "Is it by your own consent that this marriage take place with Prince Allaudin, son of His Royal Majesty?" From beneath the layers of the veil came a muffled, almost hesitant, "It is by my consent." The _qazi _seemed satisfied and began reading a passage from the Quran, informing her that marriage depends on three circumstances: the assent of the bride and groom, the evidence of two witnesses, and the marriage settlement. He then turned to Allaudin and asked him to name the sum he brought. Allaudin mumbled a figure that Hawksworth did not catch, but then the _qazi _repeated it for the guests. Hawksworth caught his breath when he realized the amount named was fifty _lakhs _of rupees. Then Allaudin said something else, which the _qazi _did not repeat. Later Hawksworth learned that Allaudin had added he was giving only ten lakhs of rupees then, and the balance at some indefinite future time. The _qazi _blessed the royal pair, praying that they would be blissful in this world and in eternity, and then wrote something quickly in a book he carried. Finally the eunuchs appeared again and assisted the bride into the palanquin. The marriage ceremony seemed to be over.