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 to his old friend's son. After this decision it was of course unfitting that the girl should be on intimate terms with the friend of her childhood. It was only to-day that, by dint of repeated entreaties, and on the pretext of having a very particular communication to make her, Purandar had persuaded Hiranmayi to grant him an interview. As she entered the arbour where the youth was awaiting her, Hiranmayi hastened to say, "Why have you sent for me? You know quite well that I am no longer a little girl, and that it is improper for us to meet alone. If you send for me again, I shall not come."

It was pretty to see the grave matronly air with which this sweet sixteen year girl said, "You know I am no longer a little girl". But, alas, there was no one there to enjoy the humour of the situation. Purandar's age and mood alike prevented him from feeling the quaintness of the girl's protest.

He plucked a flower from the creeper that climbed the arbour, and began distractedly pulling it to pieces.