Srish Chandra knew that formerly Nagendra had not believed in a heaven, and understood why he now did so—­understood that this heaven was the creation of love.

Not being able to endure the thought that Surja Mukhi no longer existed, he said to himself, “She is in heaven,” and in this thought found comfort.

Still they remained silent, for Srish Chandra felt that this was not the time to offer consolation; that words from others would be as poison, their society also.  So he went away to prepare a chamber for Nagendra.  He did not venture to ask him to eat; he would leave that task to Kamal.

But when Kamal Mani heard that Surja Mukhi was no more, she would undertake no duty.  Leaving Satish Chandra, for that night she became invisible.  The servants, seeing Kamal Mani bowed to the ground with hair unbound, left Satish and hurried to her.  But Satish would not be left; he at first stood in silence by his weeping mother, and then, with his little finger under her chin, he tried to raise her face.  Kamal looked up, but did not speak.  Satish, wishing to comfort his mother, kissed her.  Kamal caressed, but did not kiss him, nor did she speak.  Satish put his hand on his mother’s throat, crept into her lap, and began to cry.  Except the Creator, who could enter into that child’s heart and discern the cause of his crying?

The unfortunate Srish Chandra, left to his own resources, took some food to Nagendra, who said:  “I do not want food.  Sit down, I have much to say to you; for that I came hither.”  He then related all that he had heard from Ram Kristo Rai, and detailed his designs for the future.

After listening to the narration, Srish Chandra said:  “It is surprising that you should not have met the Brahmachari, as it is only yesterday he left Calcutta for Madhupur in search of you.”

“What?” said Nagendra; “how did you meet with the Brahmachari?”

“He is a very noble person,” answered Srish.  “Not receiving a reply to his letter to you, he went to Govindpur in search of you.  There he learned that his letter would be sent on to Benares.  This satisfied him, and without remark to any one he went on his business to Purushuttam.  Returning thence, he again went to Govindpur.  Still hearing nothing of you, he was informed that I might have news.  He came to me the next day, and I showed him your letter.  Yesterday he started for Govindpur, expecting to meet you last night at Ranigunj.”

“I was not at Ranigunj last night,” said Nagendra.  “Did he tell you anything of Surja Mukhi?”

“I will tell you all that to-morrow,” said Srish.

“You think my suffering will be increased by hearing it.  Tell me all,” entreated Nagendra.

Then Srish Chandra repeated what the Brahmachari had told him of his meeting Surja Mukhi by the roadside, her illness, medical treatment, and improvement in health.  Omitting many painful details, he concluded with the words:  “Ram Kristo Kai did not relate all that Surja Mukhi had suffered.”