"Nay, that is not the difficulty. Your husband and Tom Tripe are waiting
with the carriage. My part is easy. This is the problem: how will you
follow me?"

"I don't understand."

"I must wear your clothes. In the dark I shall get past the guard, making
believe that I am you."

"Then how shall I manage?"

"You must do as I say. I can contrive it. Come, the maids and I will
make a true Rajputni of you. Only I must study how to walk as you do;
please walk along in front of me--that way--follow Hasamurti through
that door into my room. I will study how you move your feet and shoulders."

Looking back as she followed Hasamurti, Tess witnessed a caricature
of herself that made her laugh until the tears came.

"It is well!" said Yasmini. "This night began in hunger, like the young
moon. Now is laughter without malice. In a few hours will be bright
dawn--and after that, success!"





Chapter Eight