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 result of her thought, the current of her life began to run, for the first time, in the opposite direction. She thought within herself, "What harm is there if I die? But, why should Pratap die for me?" She then said to Pratap,

"Let us get up on the bank."

Pratap left the support, and sank into the water. Even then Pratap's hand was in Shaibalini's clasp. She pulled Pratap by his hand, and he got up. Shaibalini then said,

"Pratap, I will swear. But just think for a moment, you are going to deprive me of all that I have in this world. I don't want you, but why should I give up your thought?"

Pratap took away his hand, but Shaibalini grasped it again. Then in a deep sombre voice, clear and distinct, although affected by emotions, Shaibalini began to speak. She said,

"Pratap, clasp my hand firmly. Listen, I swear by you that I am responsible for your life and death. In your name I promise that I shall not think of you henceforth. I shall sacrifice all my happiness to control my mind. From this day, Shaibalini will be dead, though alive."

Shaibalini took away her hand from Pratap's