206 
THE ORIENTAL ANNUAL. 
pitality for that day, for his heart beat tumultuously 
when he thought of departing from the mango grove. 
During the short time the pearl-merchant remained 
with them he gained more and more upon their 
esteem, until when night grew on apace and free 
communion had opened their hearts, while the fragrant 
hooka had cheered their spirits, the pearl-merchant, 
turning abruptly upon his host, exclaimed, “ 0, Pur- 
watti bania, excuse the liberty of my speech, but I 
pray you inform me is that most beautiful daughter 
of yours betrothed ?” “ No,” replied the bania shortly, 
‘ f wherefore should a stranger seek to know aught of 
his host’s family affairs ?” 
“ Wherefore ! It is because the super-human grace 
and beauty of the fawn-eyed Vanadosini have trans- 
fixed me as with a shaft, and have rent my heart 
with the fretful wound of desperate love. O Bania, 
be not incensed at my rash disclosure, but why 
should my passion consume me, and I remain aloof 
from the only chance of aid P I offend thee ; but 
bear with my unseemly precipitance, and hear what 
I have to say. If I he wanting in honour or re- 
spect, abhor me ; if I be found worthy, forbear thy 
displeasure. Twelve virtues are needful for the man 
who shall be accounted a fit husband for your lovely 
daughter : he must be pure, faithful, honest, comely, 
prosperous, mild, diligent, patient, generous, good- 
tempered, full of confidence, and devoted; and I 
pray thee deem it not an immodest assurance of 
