Page:Indira and Other Stories.pdf/123

 was no one present except the ordinary occupants of the house. Not even any of the neighbours had been invited. So far, no one save Dhana Das himself knew who the bridegroom was, or whence he was coming. Still all were convinced that since it was Ananda Swami who had selected the bridegroom, the choice must necessarily be a wise one. If he chose not to announce the young man's name, that was his business. Who could pretend to comprehend the holy man's motives? After having made due arrangements for the officiating priest and the giving away of the bride, he was seated placidly by himself in a room apart. Dhana Das was waiting outside for the bridegroom. Hiranmayi, arrayed in her bridal costume, was seated alone in her chamber. The girl thought in her mind, "A curious wedding, truly. Yet if I may not marry Purandar, what does it matter to whom I am wedded? I shall never marry the one being whom my heart has chosen!" At this moment, Dhana Das came to summon his daughter. But before conducting her to the