Page:Indira and Other Stories.pdf/137

 moon of the month Asharh of the fifth year after Hiranmayi's marriage had come round. Remembering this fact, she was seated absorbed in thought as the dusk of evening drew on. She was thinking, "By the guru's order I can wear my ring to-morrow. But shall I put it on? What is the good? I may perhaps find my husband by means of it. But do I want to find him? Why is another's image always imprinted in my heart? My plain duty is to control and punish my wicked heart. Otherwise I shall fall into deadly sin."

At this moment Amala arrived in a state of high excitement and astonishment.

"Here is a fine business," she cried, "I don't know what to make of it! What will happen next?"

"What is the matter?" asked Hiranmayi.

"Why a whole crowd of menservants and maidservants have come with a palanquin with orders to convey you to the raja's palace."

"You have lost your senses, foolish woman.