he felt sure,
would defend him with her life. He was not, however, so much concerned
about his own personal safety as he was for that of Nuna; and as every
supporter was of consequence, he could not help wishing for the return
of Dick Thuddichum.

So absorbed was he in his thoughts that he did not calculate how the
time went by, and he was still sitting at his desk when an attendant
appeared to announce that the banquet was prepared. Not forgetting this
time to lock up his documents, and to stow away the casket in a place of
safety, he hastily donned his Oriental costume, and entered the grand
hall, where the guests were already assembled, with as serene a
countenance as he could command. Taking the seat hitherto occupied by
the old rajah, he summoned Burnett to a place by his side; requesting
Captain Hawkesford, who stood with a somewhat downcast look, to take one
on the other hand; the nobles and other guests dropping into their
places according to their rank, leaving one side of the table, as was
usual, unoccupied. Reginald had left the whole arrangements to the
"master of the ceremonies," having forgotten to express any wish on the
subject; the customs which had been in vogue during the old rajah's time
were consequently adhered to.

As soon as the more substantial part of the feast had been concluded, a
band of dancing-girls and musicians made their appearance; followed by a
puppet-show, which might have afforded amusement to a party of children,
but which to Reginald's taste appeared absurd in the extreme. He felt
far more disgusted with the performances of the nautch-girls, and he
resolved to prohibit their introduction in future.

He expressed his intention to Burnett. "I agree with you," was the
answer; "but I am afraid that your plans, if carried out, will make you
unpopular with your courtiers."

"I would rather be unpopular than sanction so barbarous a custom."

"There are not a few barbarous customs which you will have to get rid of
before you will be satisfied," said Burnett.

"No English lady would like to see her sex so degraded by being
compelled to exhibit themselves as these poor girls are," said Reginald,
thinking of Violet.

"I suspect that the performances at an English opera-house can scarcely
claim a higher position than the exhibitions of these nautch-girls,"
observed Burnett.

"I never went to an opera in England, but I should not have supposed
that a scene like this would have