CHAPTER II.
THE FLOWER-EMBOSOMED STONE
THAT night Aesha and Osman sat up by Jagat Singha till a late hour. Now he was becoming conscious and now he became insensible;—the physician came and went many a time and oft.
Aesha was ceaseless in her attentions to the Prince. When it struck twelve a maid entered in and said that the Begam had sent for her.
"I go," said she and rose up. Osman rose with her.
"You also up?"—asked she.
"It is late; let me convoy you."
Aesha instructed the servants to be watchful, and then directed her steps to her mother's apartment.
"Do you mean to stay with the Begam to-night?" asked Osman on the way.
"No," replied Aesha. "I shall return to the Prince."
"Aesha," said Osman, "your goodness nothing can equal. A sister does not more for her brother than you are doing for this mortal enemy of your father. You are actually rescuing him from the jaws of death."
