In due time Nagendra reached Benares, whence he wrote to the Dewan, who sent Siva Prasad’s epistle with the rest of the letters.  On receiving this letter Nagendra was struck to the heart, and, pressing his forehead, exclaimed in distress, “Lord of all the world, preserve my senses for one moment!”

This prayer reached the ear of God, and for a time his senses were preserved.  Calling his head servant, he said, “I must go to-night to Ranigunj; make all arrangements.”

The man went to do his bidding; then Nagendra fell senseless on the floor.

That night Nagendra left Benares behind him.  Oh, world-enchanting Benares! what happy man could have quitted thee on such an autumn night with satiated eyes?  It is a moonless night.  From the Ganges stream, in whatever direction you look you will see the sky studded with stars—­from endless ages ever-burning stars, resting never.  Below, a second sky reflected in the deep blue water; on shore, flights of steps, and tall houses showing a thousand lights; these again reflected in the river.  Seeing this, Nagendra closed his eyes.  To-night he could not endure the beauty of earth.  He knew that Siva Prasad’s letter had been delayed many days.  Where was Surja Mukhi now?

CHAPTER XXIX.

HIRA’S POISON TREE HAS BLOSSOMED.

On the day when the durwans had driven out Debendra Babu with bamboos, Hira had laughed heartily within herself.  But later she had felt much remorse.  She thought, “I have not done well to disgrace him; I know not how much I have angered him.  Now I shall have no place in his thoughts; all my hopes are destroyed.”

Debendra also was occupied in devising a plan of vengeance upon Hira for the punishment she had caused to be inflicted on him.  At last he sent for Hira, and after one or two days of doubt she came.  Debendra showed no displeasure, and made no allusion to what had occurred.  Avoiding that, he entered into pleasant conversation with her.  As the spider spreads his net for the fly, so Debendra spread his net for Hira.

In the hope of obtaining her desire, Hira easily fell into the snare.  Intoxicated with Debendra’s sweet words, she was imposed upon by his crafty speech.  She thought, “Surely this is love!  Debendra loves me.”

Hira was cunning, but now her cunning did not serve her.  The power which the ancient poets describe as having been used to disturb the meditations of Siva, who had renounced passion—­by that power Hira had lost her cunning.

Then Debendra took his guitar, and, stimulated by wine, began to sing.  His rich and cultivated voice gave forth such honied waves of song, that Hira was as one enchanted.  Her heart became restless, and melted with love of Debendra.  Then in her eyes Debendra seemed the perfection of beauty, the essence of all that was adorable to a woman.  Her eyes overflowed with tears springing from love.