The same thought occurred to both; what a horrible mockery it all was, and where would it lead finally?
"Take care!" whispered Kathlyn as she saw her father's fingers move nervously with suppressed longing to reach out and touch her.
The spectators of this little drama which was hidden from them evinced their approval by a murmuring which had something like applause in it.
A queen was chosen! A real queen at last had been chosen.

Ramabai had accomplished by diplomacy what yonder Durga Ram had failed to do by force.

But Umballa secretly smiled as he sensed this undercurrent.
Presently they should see.
The colonel extended his hand and drew Kathlyn up beside him; and now for a moment the whole affair trembled in the balance: Kathlyn felt herself possessed with a wild desire to laugh.
The chain of gold, representing the betrothal, was now ordered brought from the treasury.
The populace, outside the palace, having been acquainted with what was taking place, burst out into cheers.
The treasure room, guarded by leopards in charge of incorruptible keepers, was now approached by Umballa and his captain of the guard.
Umballa presented his order on the treasury.

The leopards were driven into their cages, and the magic door swung open.

The two gasped for breath; for Umballa had never before looked within.