Tales of the Zenana; or a Nuwab's leisure hours ... With an introductory preface by Lord Stanley of Alderley

Preface

BY LORD STANLEY OF ALDERLEY. IN TWO VOLUMES. Vol. II. Henry S. King & Co. 65 Cornhill & 12 Paternoster Row, London. 1874. (Allrights reserved.) CONTENTS OF THE SECOND VOLUME. CHAPTER PAGE I. The Butcher's Story (continued) i II. The Butcher's Story (continued) .... 18 III. The Tailor's Story 55 IV. The Tailor's Story (continued) 70 V. The Coppersmith's Story 81 VI. The Coppersmith's Story (continued) .... 98 VII. The Coppersmith's Story (continued) . . . . 113 VIII. The Coppersmith's Story (continued) .... 132 S IX. The Coppersmith's Story (continued) . . . .154 X. The Dyer's Story 165 XL The Dyer's Story (continued) CONTENTS OF THE SECOND VOLUME. VI CHAPTER PAGE XII. The Dyer's Story (continued) . . . . ■ 202 XIII. The Dyer's Story (continued) 217 XIV. The Dyer's Story (continued) 231 XV.

The Dyer's Story (continued) 247 XVI. The Dyer's Story (continued) 254 XVII. The Dyer's Story (continued) 271 XVIII. Tells how the Stories were Discontinued . . 277 XIX. Conclusion THE TALES OF THE ZENANA.

Chapter I

the butcher's story (continued). The negotiation of marriage between the son of Saruk and the daughter of Hurrees-Al-Alghar had indeed taken place, so that there seemed but little chance of success for poor Ashuk, who with a heavy heart proceeded to his uncle at Cambay. Young Ajeez, in the meantime, was studying hard all the tricks practised in mercantile pursuits, under his able and experienced father, to qualify himself for the situation of supercargo of the ship, which in a year or two was to be richly freighted by Saruk, and probably by Nugdee Hurrees, whom they much wished to persuade to risk a large sum of money. This was the speculation he was pondering upon when the unhappy widow applied to him for the loan of one hundred rupees. But, to the disappointment of Saruk, the old miser was not inclined so highly to appreciate piece-goods and cornelians as his neighbours, and finally refused to risk any part of his capital in the concern.

Although averse to the mercantile speculation, old Nugdee vol. II. B gave a ready consent to the proposition of marriage between Ajeez and his daughter, to whom he promised one lac of rupees, provided Ajeez could command only half that sum. Saruk was therefore the more anxious to dispatch his son to Bengal in charge of a valuable cargo, in the hope that on his return, aided a little by himself, the boy might be enabled to place at the feet of the miser the fifty thousand rupees, for which he was to receive one lac and the lovely Kheir Neyut as his bride. . Independent of present advantage, Saruk indulged in the hope that, on the death of the miser, Ajeez would undoubtedly become his heir. Thus do mortals lay out plans for their worldly advantage, and become so persuaded of the final success of them, that they are little able to bear a failure with fortitude and resignation to the will of Pro vidence.

So was it with Saruk, who dreamed not of the danger of the sea, or of the changing winds of heaven, and the equally fluctuating mind of old Nugdee ; but, above all, the interference of any other mortal on earth, by whose schemes the wishes of his soul .could be overthrown. Ashuk remained two years with his uncle at Cambay. In vain did this kind relative try to fix the youth's attention to business ; the sports of the chase, hawking, hunting, &c, together with the recollection of his beloved Kheir Neyut, entirely engrossed his thoughts. Under these circumstances his uncle was compelled to send him back to his desponding mother, delivering into his hands a letter containing a bill of exchange for four hundred rupees for the poor woman's use, with the intelligence that she must expect no farther assistance from him.

He regretted the impossibility of fixing the mind of his nephew to business, and recommended Beewah to procure for him a junior situation in the Nuwab's troops, a soldier's life being evidently more suitable to the boy's disposition. Beewah with pain beheld the return of her unprofitable son, whom she severely reproved. On comprehending the contents of the letter she felt the utmost gratitude for the present it contained, and caused an answer to be penned immediately, to thank the considerate donor. The first use she determined to make of the money was to pay off her debt to old Nugdee Hurrees ; and for this purpose, accompanied by Ashuk, she proceeded to the miser's habitation, Just as they approached the outer gate they espied Saruk and his son Ajeez in the act of taking leave of the old fellow : both passed Beewah and Ashuk, casting looks of ineffable contempt on them.

Nugdee Hurrees admitted the widow and her son, ushering them into the old shed as before. Having stated her business, Beewah presented her rupees ; and the miser, having calculated the enormous interest, together with the cruel bonus,'Beewah found she must dip very deep into the four hundred rupees received from her good relative. The money being paid, Ashuk recommended his mother to demand a deed of release, and thus hoped to hear Kheir Neyut summoned to bring pen, ink, &c. The old miser having no objection to the demand, accordingly called out to his daughter to bring pen and ink, but, as before, refused to provide the paper. This detestable meanness was likely to deprive Ashuk of a sight of the lovely girl, who would probably have performed her task ere he should return with the paper. The anxious fair one, however, perceiving him about to quit the mansion, guessed the object of his errand, and delayed producing the ink until he re- B turned.

Thus Ashuk had the felicity of being once more near his beloved, who was grown more beautiful and captivating than ever. To speak to her, however, was impossible ; and he was meditat ing how he could find an opportunity of addressing her, when the wind blew away the half-written deed from the feet of the miser, whose attention was directed towards mending a miserable stump of a pen. Kheir Neyut flew to pick up the paper ; and Ashuk following for the same purpose, both met near the gate, screened by the shed from the eyes of Beewah and the miser. ' How fortunate is this, lovely Kheir Neyut ! How long is it since I beheld thee ! Say, wilt thou allow me an interview to morrow night ? ' ' We shall be overheard, Ashuk. My window is at a great distance from the ground.' ' Then will I climb up to it.

Deny me not, or I shall die with disappointment.' ' For heaven's sake then, Ashuk, be cautious. Come at midnight.' This was all the lovers had time to say, as the miser called out for his paper, which receiving from the hands of his daughter, he leisurely and cautiously finished the deed of release, which he handed to the widow. Beewah and her delighted son returned home, from whence the former repaired to court, in order to speak a good word for her son, and obtain for him if possible some junior situation in the army. Ashuk, whose whole mind was devoted to Kheir Neyut, and the means by which he could ascend to her window, hastened to the shop of Hussun al Habul, a rope-maker, to whom he crave orders to prepare a rope of a certain length and thickness, direct ing him to place several large knots at equal distances thereon, with an iron hook at one end of the rope, of a particular shape and size.

The rope-maker comprehending his wishes, was desired to have all in readiness by the following evening, when he would call for it. Hussun al Hubul promising obedience in every particular, Ashuk took his departure. Beewah not having returned home, Ashuk strolled about the city, conversing with many of his friends and old schoolfellows : from these he learned that Ajeez was in a week's time to proceed with his cargo to Calcutta, in the very ship commanded by Fureeb Khash, the schoolmaster's son-in-law. A thought now struck him : that through the means of Adeeb Khan he might prevail upon Fureeb Khash to detain Ajeez much longer than was necessary, and thus afford him more time to arrange his plans for possessing himself of the fair Kheir Neyut ; he therefore called at the schoolmaster's house, whom he fortunately found disengaged.

Adeeb Khan gave him a most hearty welcome ; said he had heard of his return with regret, and enquired to what profession he now intended to turn his thoughts. ' With your assistance, kind Adeeb, I mean to think of only one occupation.' ' And what may that be ? ' enquired Adeeb. 'Love, Adeeb Khan; for that I feel convinced is the only. line into which I am capable of entering with heart and soul.' 'Oh, Ashuk! Ashuk! will wisdom never enter thy poor brains ? ' ' Now pray, Adeeb, don't preach to me j I am not in a fit condition to hear you ; so, for love of Allah, cease. I tell you, if you aid me, I must succeed, and become a rich man to boot.' ' But how in the name of wonder can I assist you, Ashuk ? ' The youth, having made the schoolmaster promise inviolable secrecy, related his tale of love, and the arranged departure of his rival in his son-in-law's ship; he then at once begged him to persuade Fureeb Khash to detain Ajeez, in order that he might gain time to prosecute his plans for the possession of the fair Kheir Neyut.

The schoolmaster having no great good-will towards either Saruk or his son, and being extremely partial to young Ashuk, ever since his spirited exertions in his defence, at last promised to sound his son-in-law on the subject, and desired Ashuk to call again in a day or two ; Fureeb Khash being then in the city transacting business with the owners of the ship ' Futteh Mobaruk,' which was the name of the vessel he commanded. Ashuk pressed the hand of his old preceptor in gratitude for his kindness, and promised to call again in two days' time. When the amorous youth entered his mother's house he perceived her wearing a countenance of joy and gladness, for she had, by expending her last rupee, contrived to get him appointed an officer in the Nuwab's body-guard — a situation highly agreeable to the youth, whose services would seldom be required, save when the Nuwab went out in state, and would secure him a permanent residence near his beloved Kheir Neyut.

Ashuk spent the rest of the day in parading about the city, mentioning his appointment to all he met. When the evening set in he failed not to demand his rope from old Hussun al Hubul, which was all ready for him an hour before midnight, and made exactly as he desired. When he conceived his mother to be fast locked in the arms of sleep he softly arose, and unbolting the door, which he cautiously closed after him, ran down the street, and arrived at the spot where he had deposited the rope, and proceeded to the lane at the back of the miser's house ; having provided himself with a long bamboo pole, by means of which he safely fixed the hook at the end of the rope to the bar of the window above him. The moon, although behind a cloud, afforded him sufficient light to perceive with delight that the centre bar of the window had been removed. ' She intends to admit me ! ' cried the youth in ecstasy. ' Ah !

I see her at the window ; now, then, love assist me ! ' Saying which, he scrambled up the knotted rope. He had nearly reached the top, when the moon burst forth from behind the cloud, upon the window, where he espied, not the lovely Kheir Neyut, but the wrinkled visage of her father, with several men armed with swords and sticks. In an instant he slid down the rope and rushed from the lane. What could be the meaning of this? Had Kheir Neyut deceived him? It was impossible she could have been so treacherous ; it must be the act of the rope-maker, who had probably watched his footsteps; to him, therefore, he determined that instant to repair and upbraid him for his ill-natured officiousness. The rope-maker had retired to rest, and, alarmed at the violent knocking at his door, was a considerable time before he durst venture to open it.

As soon as Ashuk beheld the trembling Hussun al Hubul, he commenced loading him with abuse. The rope-maker was long ere he could comprehend the meaning of all this; and when he did, solemnly declared his innocence, swearing positively he had not quitted his house that night. 'Then you must have betrayed me to some one,' cried the enraged Ashuk, and was beginning to beat poor Hussun al Hubul, when his wife interfered, saying, ' I fear, sir, it is I whom you must blame ; but indeed I was not aware I should injure you. This day, my husband having finished your rope full of knots, I went to the smith's to procure an iron hook such as you directed, and, in his absence, young Ajeez, the merchant, came to purchase ropes and lashings for his goods about to be sent to Cambay. Observing your very curious knotted rope, he enquired for what pupose and for whom it was intended.

I replied it had been made by your order, but for what purpose I could not tell ; and I declare I mentioned the circumstance to no one else on earth.' ' That was quite enough, thou babbling fool, to ruin me,' said Ashuk, angry and mortified. The old woman begged a thousand pardons, which, however, were far from being granted — so incensed was her customer. Ashuk proceeded home, dejected and out of spirits, anticipating a seizure by the police in the morning, or perhaps that very night. Whilst the youth is momentarily expecting the punishment for his rashness, it will be proper to explain the suspicions which were awakened in the bosom of Ajeez, who, having been informed that this extraordinary rope was for Ashuk, determined to watch his footsteps most narrowly. He accordingly saw him come for the rope, convey it to an old shed, and then return.

At an hour before midnight he again saw him enter the shed, remove the rope, and proceed with it to the lane at the back of the miser's house. The idea of Ashuk presuming to love Kheir Neyut never once entering his imagination, he concluded the daring youth was actually about to rob old Nugdee Hurrees ; and being himself greatly interested in preserving the miser's hoarded gold, hastened to the front gate, where he knocked and called most loudly. Nugdee would seldom at night hear any summons at his gate ; but the incessant violent kicking and bawling of Ajeez induced him to descend and enquire who was there. Hearing the voice of Ajeez, he opened the gate, and was soon made acquainted with the danger that threatened his house and property. The miser stood breathless with fear, and seemed quite at a loss how to act ; but Ajeez calling to his recollection that no time was to be lost, he opened the gate, and proceeding to the house of a poor tailor, who lived opposite, he begged his assistance for the love of Heaven, for that robbers were about his house.

The tailor, accompanied by his son, quickly appearing, Nugdee promised them a reward should the thief be secured. Having no doubt but the rope described by Ajeez was intended to be made fast to the window of his daughter's apartment, which looked into the lane, the miser, accompanied by Ajeez and the tailors, armed with swords and clubs, entered her apartment, and bade her retire to another room, for that robbers were about the house. Kheir Neyut trembled for poor Ashuk, and was at a loss to account for the discovery of his intention to escalade the building ; at the same time she was pleased to find his actions were imputed to a.wrong motive, although either way, whether he was supposed to come for love or money, she could scarcely indulge in any hope of his escape. Determined to prevent her father or his attendants from injuring Ashuk with their formidable weapons, the alarmed girl, although ordered to retire to another part of the house, went no farther than the door, which she kept ajar, so as to enable her to see all that was going on in the room.

Hearing the rustling at the window, she thus concluded her lover had discovered her father and his assistants in time to enable him to effect his retreat. The miser expressed his concern at thus losing his victim, and was now most anxious to get rid of the tailors, they having remained far too long in the interior of his mansion to please him; and he entertained fears that, whilst attempting to secure a thief from without his house, he was affording golden opportunities to fellows within it. The tailors, however, begged to remind Master Nugdee of his promised reward. ' Reward, indeed ! ' cried the old man. ' WTiere is the thief? I promised a reward on the apprehension of the robber, but you stupid fellows have suffered him to escape, and now, truly, have the audacity to ask for a reward ! No, no ! go home, my worthy fellows, and next time be more quick in your movements.' ' So we will, Master Nugdee, when you catch us again on the same errand; but, by Allah! your house may be robbed and burned, ere we attend a second time to your cries for aid.' The dissatisfied tailors were accordingly turned away without the least recompense for their trouble, leaving Ajeez to consult with the miser what was best to be done.

THE BUTCHER'S STORi 11 'Of course,' said he, 'Nugdee, you will lodge a complaint against this daring robber ? ' ' I don't know that I shall,' replied the miser. ' I am not so fond of paying fees to the Cotwall, and after all see the fellow escape punishment ; and if he does not get off, what good shall I get by seeing him hanged ? ' ' But he may be fined, Nugdee,' said the revengeful Ajeez. ' Ay, boy, and the fines go into the Cotwall's pocket. I shall get none of them. But hark ye, Ajeez, as you value my good-will mention not the subject in public; it can do no good, and may only put others up to following Ashuk's example.' ' But, sir, the tailors will assuredly spread the report.' ' They may do so ; but they know not who the thief is, and that is all I am anxious about, for you know Ashuk is now an officer in the body-guard ; and as we have not actually caught him, he may deny the fact, and involve me in much trouble.

I shall have the whole guard enter my house, dig up my gold, and march off with it ! So for these reasons, I command you, mention not the circumstance.' Ajeez, aware if the idea of the body-guard's appearing in the sacred mansion of the miser had once entered into his brain, all he could say would be of no avail, left him therefore, promising not to mention the affair even to his own father. Nugdee Hurrees, although determined not to take any public measures towards the apprehension of Ashuk, quickly commenced making serious alterations in his house, to provide against any similar attempts in future. He blocked up the window of his daughter's apartment, and sent her to a room which looked into the courtyard, so that she was compelled for ever to give up the idea of again beholding Ashuk in the back lane.

Kheir Neyut, however, was delighted at hearing her father's -wise determination not to prosecute her lover, and perfectly agreed with him in his idea of the danger of involving himself in trouble with an officer of the guard, as well as the useless sacrifice of money in the shape of fees at the CotwaH's office. Ashuk, in the meanwhile, lay on his pallet fully expecting the house to be surrounded by police-officers, and was in the morning agreeably surprised to find how mistaken he had been. His mother desired him to dress and prepare to be introduced to the Nuwab, from whose hands he was to receive his sword and take the usual oath of fidelity. Ashuk, delighted beyond measure, prepared accordingly ; and as his mother had purchased for him a new red turban with a rich border of gold, and borrowed a Cash mire shawl to tie round his waist, he indeed cut a most imposing appearance, being tall, handsome, and graceful.

The youth was accordingly introduced at court, where he and his mother were almost ruined by the various fees demanded of them by chobdars, peons, mace-bearers, and other persons who guarded the sacred musnud. The provident Beewah had been fully aware of the demands which would be made, and had borrowed money, sold and pawned almost everything she was possessed of. The Nuwab seemed pleased with young Ashuk's appearance and bold manners, declaring he much resembled his father, whose services he should never forget. Ashuk received his sword most gracefully, took the necessary oath in a firm, collected voice, and then withdrew, gratified by the attentions of s all about the court, who saluted him, saying, ' Salaam, Ashuk, Sahib ! Sahib, Salaam ! Khodawund, Salaam ! ' and all such epithets as officers about the Nuwab's person were accustomed to hear.

On his return home he expressed his gratitude to his mother for the expense she had incurred for his sake, promising to give into her hands his first three months' salary. The doting mother, clasping him to her heart, declared her entire satisfaction at his conduct, and expressed hopes of his future advancement. Beewah having heard nothing farther of her son's infatuation for the miser's daughter, indulged in the hope that he had entirely for gotten her. But in this idea, however, she was greatly mistaken ; the flame burned more furiously than ever, not a moment passing without the recollection of Kdieir Neyut entering his mind. The next step towards completing the consequence of Ashuk was to procure for him a horse — the body-guard being all mounted. There being no immediate necessity, however, Ashuk determined to postpone the purchase of one until the expiration of the first three months, when his salary would be entirely at his own dis posal ; trusting to the generosity of some kind friend to lend him one, should he, in the interim, be required to attend the Nuwab on any parade or excursion.

The youthful guardsman now strutted about the city, assuming the airs and consequence of his situation. All made their salaam to him ; and such is the effect produced by rank and fortune, that even Saruk, the wealthy merchant, made his bow to the young officer as he passed his house. As Ashuk returned homewards he chanced to overtake old Nugdee Hurrees, who also made him a very low obeisance. ' Happy to see you, good sir,' said Ashuk. ' So am I,' thought the miser — ' outside my house. ' Indeed, Master Nugdee, I know not how to express my gratitude to you for your kind assistance to my poor mother.' ' What an impudent rascal ! ' thought Nugdee ; ' the fellow who would have robbed me only last night, to dare to face me and converse with me in the street ! ' ' It is some time since we have met, Master Nugdee,' con tinued Ashuk ; ' I should be delighted, would you allow me to call occasionally and enquire after your health. ' Oh, sir ! ' replied Nugdee, ' pray don't give yourself so much trouble : my health is always good— never sick in my life ;• so you know there is no occasion to enquire about me.

Rely on it I am always well ; and if anything does affect me, 'tis a visitor coming to talk about nothing. If you have any business, indeed, I will with pleasure meet you at my banker's in the city ; but pray don't trouble yourself to come to my house.' ' Why, Master Nugdee, your house is somewhat nearer to mine than your banker's ; therefore there will be if anything more trouble, and certainly less pleasure, for me to repair thither, and undoubtedly much more inconvenience to yourself.' ' Oh, pray don't mind my inconvenience, sir ; I am ever ready when business demands my presence.' ' Well, then, why object to admit me into your shed, if not into the interior of your house ? ' ' Interior of my house, young man ! Allah forbid ! No, sir, it is not my custom — so farewell ! ' ' Nay, . Master Nugdee, suffer me to call now and then, I pray you.' ' Why, to tell you plainly, young man, I object to your visits above all others.' 'Indeed!

Why?' ' Why, because you select strange hours and places to pay me your visits. Now do you comprehend me ?' ' Not I, indeed, Master Nugdee. • Pray explain yourself. I never even entered your house at any time ; you took good care of that.' ' Ah, indeed did I,' said the miser ; • and shall be doubly cautious in future. The window is blocked up, young man.' ' Window blocked up ! What window ? Do you mean to insinuate that I am a thief? ' ' Why, replied old Nugdee, ' it certainly looked very much like it.' ' I tell you what, Master Nugdee,' said Ashuk ; ' we must come to an understanding in this business.' ' My worthy friend,' replied the miser, ' all the understanding I wish to come to is this — never come near my house again, either by day or night, and we shall be the better friends, rely on it.' ' Well, now, Master Nugdee, the understanding I wish to come to is this — if you have any charge to make against me for coming through your window, either by night or by day, I desire you will instantly accompany me to the Cotwall's court, and there make your complaint ; or, if you do not do so, go down on your knees and beg my pardon, and explain all your ambiguous hints, so injurious to my honour.' ' Well,' thought Nugdee, ' I have heard of impudent fellows, but this young man beats all that were ever read or heard of.' They had now arrived at the miser's great gates, and Nugdee was applying the key to the same, when Ashuk prevented him, saying, ' You won't escape thus, my friend.

I demand an explanation, either here or before the Cotwall. By Allah ! I will drag you before the Nuwab.' ' Oh, mercy ! ' cried the terrified miser ; ' it was not you : now I am quite sure it could not be you ; yet it was very like you, I must confess.' ' What ? Who was like me ? ' The alarmed Nugdee related all the events of the preceding night, when Ashuk expressed his surprise that a man of his good sense should heed the malicious reports of Ajeez, his decided enemy, and one with whom he had been at variance from his childhood. ' Consider, sir; I never had an opportunity of entering your mansion ; how was it likely, therefore, I could expect, even were I so wickedly inclfned, to come directly at your hidden treasure without risk of discovery ? I must own I feel hurt at your unjust suspicions.' 3 The miser now really began to believe he had been mistaken, and that Ajeez had been mistaken also ; he therefore most humbly craved the young officer's pardon, congrahilating himself on his caution and prudence in not prosecuting Ashuk, as advised by his informant, Ajeez.

The miser and Ashuk now parted better friends, though the latter could not obtain permission to enquire occasionally after the old man's health, Nugdee persisting in declaring he was always well, and always should continue so ; that knocking at his gate for the purpose of enquiring after him would only be attended with trouble and inconvenience to both parties ; saying which, he opened the portal, made a salaam, and then shut out poor Ashuk from all hope of gaining a friendly footing in that dwelling, wherein, of all others, he most wished to be admitted as a visitor. c VOL.

Chapter II

the eutcher's story (continued). On the following day Ashuk repaired to the schoolmaster, who he hoped had consulted with his son-in-law, Fureeb Khash, captain of the good ship ' Futteh Mobaruk.' Adeeb Khan, perceiving Ashuk approach his school, which happened at the time to be occupied by the boys, signed him to enter into the interior of his dwelling ; and this he did in so significant a manner as to plainly inform Ashuk he had good news to communicate. ' Well, Adeeb, have you seen the captain ? ' eagerly enquired the youth. ' I have, Ashuk ; and for a promise of a reward, should you succeed in marrying the miser's daughter, he will do all you require of him.' ' Thanks, my friend,' said the anxious boy; ' I certainly will promise to reward him, and will commit my promise to writing.' ' Gently, my friend, not so hasty with your pen.