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 Shaibalini. Yes, I will.

Chandra Shekhar. Why did you go with Foster?

Shaibalini. For Pratap.

Chandra Shekhar was startled—the things of the past appeared before him in the vividness of reality. He asked,

"Is Pratap your paramour??

Shaibalini. Fie!

Chandra Shekhar. Then what is he to you?

Shaibalini. We were two flowers blooming in the same garden and on the same stalk—why did you tear us asunder?

Chandra Shekhar breathed a deep sigh. He was a man of unlimited wisdom and he could understand everything. After a while, he asked,

"Do you remember that you swam along with Pratap in the Ganges, on the night, Pratap made his escape from the boat of the English?"

Shaibalini. Yes, I do.

Chandra Shekhar. What talk had you with him that night?

Shaibalini briefly related everything. Hearing her, Chandra Shekhar thanked Pratap at heart. He then asked,