CHAPTER XXV.
A, I, AND O The old Begum went by the euphonious appellation of Ohiro-Moldona- Fivona; a name, from its length, deemed highly genteel; though scandal averred, that it was nothing more than her real name transposed; the appellation by which she had been formerly known, signifying a "Getterup-of-Fine-Tappa." But as this would have let out an ancient secret, it was thought wise to disguise it.
Her daughters respectively reveled in the pretty diminutives of A, I, and O; which, from their brevity, comical to tell, were considered equally genteel with the dame's.
The habiliments of the three Vowels must not he omitted.

Each damsel garrisoned an ample, circular farthingale of canes, serving as the frame-work, whereon to display a gayly dyed robe.

Perhaps their charms intrenched themselves in these impregnable petticoats, as feeble armies fly to fortresses, to hide their weakness, and better resist an onset.
But polite and politic it is, to propitiate your hostess.

So seating himself by the Begum, Taji led off with earnest inquiries after her welfare.

But the Begum was one of those, who relieve the diffident from the embarrassment of talking; all by themselves carrying on conversation for two.