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 it very closely. At this sight, every one turned aside quietly, in fear.

When the plunderers had left, Chandra Shekhar's neighbours entered into his house and found that very few articles had been taken away. But, Shaibalini was not there! Some said, "She must have hid herself somewhere and will soon return." The old men, however, said, "She will never return—even if she does, Chandra Shekhar will not take her in. She must have gone in the palanquin we have seen." Those who expected that Shaibalini would soon return, waited and waited for her till they grew tired and sat down. Sitting there for a long time, they began to doze, and at last left the place in disgust. Sundari, the young lady whom we have already introduced, left last of all. She was the daughter of one of Chandra Shekhar's neighbours. She stood in the relation of a cousin to him, and was Shaibalini's constant companion. We shall have occasion to speak of her hereafter, and hence this introduction.

Sundari waited for Shaibalini the whole night. She returned home in the morning and began to weep.