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 Bimala. "Return! Am I not going away for good? We three will live like man and wives in another country."

Diggaja's mouth filled with a laugh. He said,

"But shall I leave all these articles behind?"

Bimala. "Doubtless you have no end of them!"

Diggaja. "At any rate, the brazen utensils?"

Bimala. "Never fear; I'll buy you all those."

The Brahmin was rather sad; but what could he choose but consent, without running the certain risk of having his love to the women called in question. Making the best of a bad bargain, he said,

"Khungiputi?"

"The fellow sure has cart-loads of them!" thought Bimala. "Make haste," said she.

Vidyadiggaja had two books in all, to wit,—a Sanskrita Grammar, and a treatise on Hindu Law. Taking up the grammar, he said, "What have I to do with this any more? I carry it on my fingers' ends." He then took the other book in his Khungi, and uttering 'Durga-Sri-Hari,' sallied out with Bimala and Ashmani.

"Go on," said Ashmani. "I'll overtake you afterwards."

Saying this, Ashmani entered the house. Bimala and Gajapati went out. They left the castle-gate, unperceived in the darkness. After having advanced a little, Diggaja said,

"How's this? Ashmani is not come?"