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 "Why did you live with Foster?"

Shaibalini. I lived with him in name only. It was my hope that I would meet Pratap, if I would go to Purandarpur with Foster.

Chandra Shekhar. In name only! Are you then still chaste?

Shaibalini. I am not, only because I had dedicated my life to Pratap—I am a great sinner.

Chandra Shekhar. Otherwise?

Shaibalini. Otherwise I am perfectly stainless.

Chandra Shekhar. In respect of Foster?

Shaibalini. In respect of Foster, I am absolutely innocent.

At this stage, Chandra Shekhar cast upon Shaibalini sharp and penetrating glances and carried on the mesmeric operations, more vigourously. He urged,

“Tell me the truth."

Shaibalini, although unconscious in her mysterious stupor, contracted her eye-brows and said,

"I have told you the truth and nothing but the truth."

Chandra Shekhar again breathed a deep sigh and said,