Opposite this cattle-stall is the reception-room.  Dark stairs, which require to be lighted in broad daylight, lead to the royal apartments.  The stairs are said to be equally dark in almost all the Indian palaces; they believe it is a security against enemies, or, at least, that it makes their entrance more difficult.  In the reception saloon sat the queen, Jeswont-Rao-Holcar, an aged, childless widow; at her side her adopted son, Prince Hury-Rao-Holcar, a youth of fourteen years, with very good-natured features and expressive eyes.  Seats, consisting of cushions, were placed for us by their side.  The young prince spoke broken English, and the questions which he put to me proved him to be well acquainted with geography.  His mundsch, {212a} a native, was represented as a man of intelligence and learning.  I could not find an opportunity, after the audience, of complimenting him upon the progress which the prince had made.  The dress of the queen and of the prince consisted of white Dacca muslin; the prince had several precious stones and pearls upon his turban, breast, and arms.  The queen was not veiled, although Mr. Hamilton was present.

All the apartments and passages were crowded with servants, who, without the slightest ceremony, came into the audience-hall, that they might observe us more closely; we sat in a complete crowd.

We were offered sweetmeats and fruits, sprinkled with rosewater, and some attar of roses was put upon our handkerchiefs.  After some time areca nuts and betel leaves were brought on silver plates, which the queen herself handed to us; this is a sign that the audience is at an end, and visitors cannot leave until it is made.  Before we got up to go, large wreaths of jasmine were hung round our necks, and small ones round our wrists.  Fruits and sweetmeats were also sent home to us.

The queen had given the mundsch directions to conduct us round the whole of the palace.  It is not very large, and the rooms, with the exception of the reception-saloon, are very simple, and almost without furniture; in each, cushions covered with white muslin lie upon the floor.

As we stood upon the terrace of the house, we saw the prince ride out.  Two servants led his horse, and a number of attendants surrounded him.  Several officers accompanied him upon elephants, and mounted soldiers closed the procession.  The latter wore wide white trousers, short blue jackets, and handsome round caps; they looked very well.  The people raised a low murmur when they saw the prince, as an indication of their pleasure.