ir soft and
charming Indian expression.

The poet-king, Ucaf Uddaul, celebrating the charms of the Queen of
Ahundnagara, thus sings:

"Her shining locks, parted in the centre of her forehead, set off the
harmonious contours of her white and delicate cheeks, all glowing in
their freshness. Her ebon brows have the shape and power of the bow of
Kama, the god of love; and beneath her silken lashes, her dark eyes
swim in liquid tenderness, as in the sacred lakes of the Himalayas is
reflected the celestial light. Her glittering, even, pearl-like teeth
shine between the smiling lips as the dewdrops in the half-closed
petals of the passion-flower. Her tiny ears, with curves divine, her
small hands, her little feet, tender as the buds of lotus, sparkle
with the pearls of Ceylon and the dazzling diamonds of the famed
Golconda. Her rounded, supple waist, which hand may circle round,
displays the curving outline of the hips, and swelling bosom, where
youth in all its loveliness expands its perfect treasures. Beneath the
tunic-folds the limbs seem formed within a silver mould by the
god-like hand of Vicvarcarnia, the immortal sculptor."

Without exactly comparing Mrs. Aouda with the foregoing description,
it may be stated that she was a most charming woman, in the fullest
acceptation of the term. She spoke English with fluency and purity,
and the guide had only stated the truth when he had averred that the
Parsee lady had been transformed by her education.

The train was about to start; Mr. Fogg was paying the Parsee guide his
hire as agreed--not a farthing in excess. This business-like
arrangement rather astonished Passe-partout, when he recalled all they
owed to the guide's devotion. In fact, the Parsee had risked his life
voluntarily by engaging in the affair at Pillaji, and if he should be
caught by the Hindoos he would very likely be severely dealt with.
There was still Kiouni, however. What was to be done with the
elephant, which had cost so much? But Phileas Fogg had already made up
his mind on that point.

"Parsee," said he to the guide, "you have been most useful and devoted
to us. I have paid for your services, but not for your devotion. Would
you like to have the elephant? If so, he is yours." The eyes of the
guide sparkled.

"Your honour is giving me a fortune!" he exclaimed.

"Take him," replied Mr. Fogg, "and then I shall still be in your
debt."

"Hurrah!" cried Passe-partout; "take him, my friend. Kiouni is