lts of her
machinations. She affected sympathy with the deserted wife, who was
too young and innocent to suspect her of having caused the quarrel.

Debendra Babu had a servant, Ram Harak by name, who had been in the
family for nearly forty years and was treated as one of them. He had
watched the growing intimacy between Hiramani and the young couple and,
knowing the old woman's character well, endeavoured to counteract her
evil influence. Finding this impossible he sought Debendra Babu in
the parlour, salamed profoundly, and stood erect, without uttering
a word. His master asked, with some surprise, what he wanted.

"Mahasay," replied Ram Harak, "have I not served you for two-score
years with obedience and fidelity? Have you ever found me untrue to
my salt?"

"Certainly not; I know you are a good and faithful servant."

"Then, Mahasay, you ought to protect me against enemies of your
house. That odious hag, Hiramani, has abused me foully."

"Now, Ram Harak, it is you who are abusive. What have you done to
offend her?"

"You are my father and mother," replied Ram Harak with his eyes
full of tears. "Let me explain fully. I have long since suspected
Hiramani of making mischief in this house, and have kept a close
watch on her movements. The very day of Pulin Babu's departure I
overheard her whispering all manner of false insinuations against
my young mistress. Then came the quarrel between husband and wife,
which ended in Pulin Babu's leaving your house. After he had gone I
ventured to remonstrate with Hiramani for poisoning jamai (son-in-law)
Babu's mind against his wife; whereon she overwhelmed me with abuse
and actually threatened to get me dismissed! I want to know whether
this woman is mistress of the family? Am I to have no redress?"

"Leave all this to me, Ram Harak, and go to your work. I'll speak to
Hiramani myself."

"Babuji, you are treading the matter far too lightly. I would never
have complained on my own account, but I cannot bear to see her
plotting against your daughter's happiness, which she has, perhaps,
destroyed for ever!"

Debendra Babu went into his inner apartments and, seeing Hiramani
engaged in close conversation with his daughter, he asked her why she
had used bad language to Ram Harak. The old woman beckoned him to come
outside; and after making sure that no one was listening, she poured
into his ears a long tale of Ram Harak's misdoings. He was robbing
his master, she declared, takin