ent, but it
appears uncertain whether she will recover. Her last desire is to see
you once more and die. If you are able to pardon her offence, whatever
it may be, then pray come hither quickly. I address her as 'Mother.'
As a son I write this letter by her direction. She has no strength to
write herself. If you come, do so by way of Ranigunj. Inquire in
Ranigunj for Sriman Madhab Chandra, and on mentioning my name he will
send some one with you. In this way you will not have to search
Madhupur for the house. If you come, come quickly, or it may be too
late. Receive my blessing.

"(Signed) SIVA PRASAD."

The letter ended, the _Brahmachari_ asked, "What address shall I
write?"

Surja Mukhi replied, "When Haro Mani comes I will tell you."[15]

[Footnote 15: The wife does not utter the name of her husband except
under stress of necessity.]

Haro Mani, having arrived, addressed the letter to Nagendra Natha
Datta, and took it to the post-office. When the _Brahmachari_ had
gone, Surja Mukhi, with tearful eyes, joined hands, and upturned
face, put up her petition to the Creator, saying, "Oh, supreme God, if
you are faithful, then, as I am a true wife, may this letter
accomplish its end. I knew nothing during my life save the feet of my
husband. I do not desire heaven as the reward of my devotion; this
only I desire, that I may see my husband ere I die."

But the letter did not reach Nagendra. He had left Govindpur long
before it arrived there. The messenger gave the letter to the _Dewan,_
and went away. Nagendra had said to the _Dewan_, "When I stay at any
place I shall write thence to you. When you receive my instructions,
forward any letters that may have arrived for me."

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
stre