Hira went alone into Debendra’s boita khana.  He had been drinking, but not heavily; he was quite sensible.  His manner to Hira was altogether changed; he paid her no compliments, but said:  “I had taken so much that evening that I did not understand what you said.  Why did you come that night? it is to know this that I have sent for you.  You told me Kunda Nandini sent you, but you did not give her message.  I suppose that was because you found me so much overcome; but you can tell me now.”

“Kunda Nandini did not send me to say anything.”

“Then why did you come?” replied Debendra.

“I only came to see you.”

Debendra laughed.  “You are very intelligent.  Nagendra Babu is fortunate in possessing such a servant.  I thought the talk about Kunda Nandini was a mere pretence.  You came to inquire after Haridasi Boisnavi.  You came to know my design in wearing the Boisnavi garb; why I went to the Datta house:  this you came to learn, and in part you accomplished your purpose.  I do not seek to hide the matter.  You did your master’s work, and have received your reward from him, no doubt.  I have a commission for you; do it, and I also will reward you.”

It would be an unpleasant task to relate in detail the speech of a man so deeply sunk in vice.  Debendra, promising Hira an abundant reward, proposed to buy Kunda Nandini.

At his words Hira’s eyes reddened, her ears became like fire.  When he had finished she rose and said—­

“Sir, addressing me as a servant, you have said this to me.  It is not for me to reply.  I will tell my master, and he will give you a suitable answer.”  Then she went quickly out.

For some moments Debendra sat puzzled and cowed.  Then to revive himself he returned to the brandy, and the songs in which he usually indulged.

CHAPTER XVI.

HIRA’S ENVY

Rising in the morning, Hira went to her work.  For the past two days there had been a great tumult in the Datta house, because Kunda Nandini was not to be found.  It was known to all the household that she had gone away in anger.  It was also known to some of the neighbours.  Nagendra heard that Kunda had gone, but no one told him the reason.  He thought to himself, “Kunda has left because she does not think it right to remain in the house after what I said to her.  If so, why does she not go with Kamal?” Nagendra’s brow was clouded.  No one ventured to come near him.  He knew not what fault Surja Mukhi had committed, yet he held no intercourse with her, but sent a female spy into the neighbourhood to make search for Kunda Nandini.

Surja Mukhi was much distressed on hearing of Kunda’s flight, especially as Kamal Mani had assured her that what Debendra had said was not worthy of credit:  for if she had had any bond with Debendra during three years, it could not have remained unknown; and Kunda’s disposition gave no reason for suspicion of such a thing.  Debendra was a drunkard, and in his cups he spoke falsely.  Thinking over this, Surja Mukhi’s distress increased.  In addition to that, her husband’s displeasure hurt her severely.  A hundred times she abused Kunda—­a thousand times she blamed herself.  She also sent people in search of Kunda.