HEADMAN. Ha! ha! What an uncommon little fellow you are! Ha!
ha! the King indeed, aren't you his bosom friend, eh! You
haven't met for a long while and the King is pining, I am sure.
Wait till to-morrow and you'll have your letter.

AMAL. Say, Headman, why do you speak to me in that tone of
voice? Are you cross?

HEADMAN. Upon my word! Cross, indeed! You write to the King!
Madhav is devilish swell nowadays. He'd made a little pile; and
so kings and padishahs are everyday talk with his people. Let me
find him once and I'll make him dance. Oh, you snipper-snapper!
I'll get the King's letter sent to your house--indeed I will!

AMAL. No, no, please don't trouble yourself about it.

HEADMAN. And why not, pray! I'll tell the King about you and he
won't be very long. One of his footmen will come along presently
for news of you. Madhav's impudence staggers me. If the King
hears of this, that'll take some of his nonsense out of him.
[Exit]

AMAL. Who are you walking there? How your anklets tinkle! Do
stop a while, dear, won't you?

[A GIRL enters]

GIRL. I haven't a moment to spare; it is already late!