Surja Mukhi’s reply to Nagendra’s letter came in a few days.  It was after this manner: 

“I know not what fault your servant has committed.  If it is necessary you should stay so long in Calcutta, why am I not with you to attend upon you?  This is my earnest wish; the moment I receive your consent, I will set out.

“In picking up a little girl, have you forgotten me?  Many unripe things are esteemed.  People like green guavas, and green cucumbers; green cocoa-nuts are cooling.  This low-born female is also, I think, very young, else in meeting with her why should you forget me?  Joking apart, have you given up all right over this girl? if not, I beg her from you.  It is my business to arrange for her.  In whatever becomes yours I have the right to share, but in this case I see your sister has entire possession.  Still, I shall not vex myself much if Kamal usurps my rights.

“Do you ask what do I want with the girl?  I wish to give her in marriage with Tara Charan.  You know how much I have sought for a suitable wife for him.  If Providence has sent us a good girl, do not disappoint me.  If Kamal will give her up, bring Kunda Nandini with you when you come.  I have written to Kamal also recommending this.  I am having ornaments fashioned, and am making other preparations for the marriage.  Do not linger in Calcutta.  Is it not true that if a man stays six months in that city he becomes quite stupid?  If you design to marry Kunda, bring her with you, and I will give her to you.  Only say that you propose to marry her, and I will arrange the marriage-basket.”

Who Tara Charan was will be explained later.  Whoever he was, both Nagendra and Kamal Mani consented to Surja Mukhi’s proposal.  Therefore it was resolved that when Nagendra went home Kunda Nandini should accompany him.  Every one consented with delight, and Kamal also prepared some ornaments.  How blind is man to the future!  Some years later there came a day when Nagendra and Kamal Mani bowed to the dust, and, striking their foreheads in grief, murmured:  “In how evil a moment did we find Kunda Nandini! in how evil an hour did we agree to Surja Mukhi’s letter!” Now Kamal Mani, Surja Mukhi, and Nagendra, together have sowed the poison seed; later they will all repent it with wailing.

Causing his boat to be got ready, Nagendra returned to Govindpur with Kunda Nandini.  Kunda had almost forgotten her dream; while journeying with Nagendra it recurred to her memory, but thinking of his benevolent face and kindly character, Kunda could not believe that any harm would come to her from him.  In like manner there are many insects who, seeing a destructive flame, enter therein.

CHAPTER IV.

TARA CHARAN.