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 way to despair, Sir? To-day, Fortune is adverse, tomorrow, she may be friendly."

Sweet is the voice of Hope; in the darkest day, she whispers soft into man's ear, "The cloud and the storm will not endure for ever; why then are you cast down? Listen to my words." Hope spoke through Bimala's mouth, "Why are you cast down? Listen to my words."

Jagat Singha listened to the voice of Hope. Who can know the Divine Will? Who can read beforehand the decrees of Fate? What is impossible under the sun? What impossibilities have not taken place in this world?

Yes, the Prince listened to Hope.

"To-day my mind is exceedingly restless;—I am incapacitated quite to judge the right course. What Fate has decreed must happen afterwards, for who can control Fate? Now I can only express my mind. Here, before the holy presence of Saileshwara, I vow never to accept the hand of any one save Tilottama's. I implore you to speak to your companion all that I have said. Pray, tell her that I long to see her once more only. I swear never to ask for this boon again."

Bimala's countenance beamed with joy.

"How shall you, Sir, get the reply of my companion?"

"I cannot venture to trouble you again and again," answered the Prince, "but if you see me once again in this temple, I shall rest your debtor. Some time or other, you may expect a return from Jagat §ingha."

"Prince," replied Bimala, "I am your servant; but I greatly fear to come alone at night by this road. It is only because my promise had to be fulfilled, that I have come to-night. Now the