father's bedside, now appeared above Kunda's head; but
this time it was not surrounded by a shining halo, it descended upon a
dense cloud ready to fall in rain. From the midst of the thick cloud
another face smiled, while every now and then flashes of lightning
broke forth. Kunda perceived with alarm that the incessantly smiling
face resembled that of Hira, while her mother's compassionate
countenance was very grave. The mother said: "Kunda, when I came
before you did not listen, you did not come with me; now you see what
trouble has befallen you." Kunda wept. The mother continued: "I told
you I would come once more, and here I am. If now you are satisfied
with the joy that the world can give, come with me."

"Take me with you, mother; I do not desire to stay here longer."

The mother, much pleased, repeated, "Come, then!" and vanished from
sight.

Kunda woke, and, remembering her vision, desired of the gods that this
time her dream might be fulfilled.

At dawn, when Hira entered the room to wait upon Kunda, she perceived
that the girl was crying. Since the arrival of Kamal Mani, Hira had
resumed a respectful demeanour towards Kunda, because she heard that
Nagendra was returning. As though in atonement for her past behaviour,
Hira became even more obedient and affectionate than formerly. Any one
else would have easily penetrated this craftiness, but Kunda was
unusually simple, and easily appeased. She felt no suspicion of this
new affection; she imagined Hira to be sour-tempered, but not
unfaithful. The woman said--

"Why do you weep, _Ma Thakurani?_"

Kunda did not speak, but only looked at Hira, who saw that her eyes
were swollen and the pillow soaked.

"What is this? you have been crying all night. Has the Babu said
anything to you?"

"Nothing," said Kunda, sobbing with greater violence than before.

Hira's heart swam with joy at the sight of Kunda's distress. With a
melancholy face she asked--

"Has the Babu had any talk with you since he came home? I am only a
servant, you need not mind telling me."

"I have had no talk with him."

"How is that, Ma? After so many days' absence has he nothing to say to
you?"

"He has not been near me," and with these words fresh tears burst
forth.

Hira was delighted. She said, smiling, "Ma, why do you weep in this
way? Many people are over head and ears in trouble, yet you cry
incessantly over one sorrow. If you had as much to bear as I have,
you would have dest