As the day advanced, in spite of my efforts to cheer him, he became more and more depressed, and even said he should like to put off the dance.

I dissuaded him from taking this step for the time being; but that night he had the same dream again, and the next morning he insisted on the dance being postponed.

It seemed to me rather absurd to have to disappoint our friends because of a dream; there was, however, nothing for it but to carry out my father's wishes, and intimation was accordingly sent to the invited guests.

The following morning the post brought news of the sudden death of the half-sister at Lahore with whom I had stayed on my way to Peshawar.
As my father was really very unwell, it was not thought advisable for him to travel alone, so it was arranged that I should accompany him to Rawal Pindi.

We started from Peshawar on the 27th November, and drove as far as Nowshera.