1 a vizier's daughter - Hazara.net

107
A VIZIER’S DAUGHTER – A TALE OF THE HAZARA WAR
be sitting on a stool by Nookra holding your mouth before a month is
over.
Again Shereen reddened up to the eyes, and this time the tears started
into them. What had she done that this girl should speak to her so? She
had asked nothing wrong, only a simple question. Instinctively, as Gul
Begum had done, her eyes wandered to the high walls, and then to the
bolted door. Her tormentor was not slow to notice this gesture either,
and seeing how easily she could terrify this girl, she went on
provokingly: -
“Ah, you need not look at either walls or door. They are strong and
high – no one has ever been known to overcome either, but we have
stronger things inside if you show a disposition to get away. We shall
have to keep our eyes on you. I see.”
Shereen was by this time fairly cowed, and only hung her head,
pouting.
Gul Begum, more to try the girl that anything, smiled knowingly at her.
She replied with something not ver y unlike a wink, which was
distinctly reassuring, and presently all three sat on the steps and
commenced their breakfast of delicious newly baked bread, and sour
curd. Seldom had the Hazaras tasted anything more entirely to their
liking; and as there was no further mention made of the possible
consequences of indiscreet talking, Shereen gradually became pacified.
Towards noon the girls noticed considerable stir about the house.
Several slaves or servants passed by and glanced at them, and then the
old doorkeeper came through the heavy garden door and disappeared
into one of the rooms at the side of the chief entrance, leaving his
shoes on the steps. He had the Commedan’s letter to Colonel Ferad
Shah in his hand. Gul Begum noticed it at once. When he came out he
went up to where the girls were sitting and address them.
“Bibi is having her tea now, but when she has finished she will send
for you. Salaam her respectfully and wait always for her to address you
first. It is wise not to sa y too much,” he said in a low tone; “she is a
great lady, and it is not well to dispute her wishes. When Agha comes
home you will be given your position in the household; till then you
must put up with whatever happens to turn up.”
Gul Begum bowed her acknowledgements. “It is of your kindness that
you tell us this,” she said.
The old man seemed quite pleased and was moving away, when the
girls addressed him again hurriedly: -
“Will you let me walk in the big garden under the trees this evening?”
she asked.