Page:Indira and Other Stories.pdf/110

 "What is not worthy to be worn by your highness—such is the practice of princes—may be conferred upon any fitting person."

"This necklace is not fitted for my wearing, or rather, it is I who am not worthy to wear it. You alone are lovely enough to wear so lovely an adornment. Let me present it to you."

In such fashion, of old time, did man and maid contract marriage by an interchange of garlands. The raja clasped the necklace round Radharani's slim and graceful neck.

Radharani was not displeased. She hung down her head for a moment, and then glanced at her guest with amused and mischievous eyes. The raja understood her thoughts.

"I could, not accept that necklace, as you know, and so gave it to you. But will you give me another one?"

"Which one?"

"The one you wear, warm from your own bosom."

Radharani called to a maidservant. "Chitra!" she cried, "are you there?"