“I am fallen in the snare. Act thou as becomes a Rajputni.”
Then that Daughter of the Sun lifted her head, for the thronging of
armed feet was heard in the Council Hall below. From the floor she
caught her veil and veiled herself in haste, and the Brahman with bowed
head followed, while her women mourned aloud. And, descending, between
the folds of the purdah she appeared white and veiled, and the Brahman
beside her, and the eyes of all the Princes were lowered to her shrouded
feet, while the voice they had not heard fell silvery upon the air, and
the echoes of the high roof repeated it.
“Chief of the Rajputs, what is your counsel?” And he of Marwar stepped
forward, and not raising his eyes above her feet, answered,--
“Queen, what is thine?”
For the Rajputs have ever heard the voice of their women.