Page:Indira and Other Stories.pdf/138

 Why on earth should they want to take me to the raja's palace?"

True enough, however, one of the raja's maids here made her appearance and, making due obesianceobeisance [sic], said, "It is the order of my master, may the holy gods prolong his days, that Hiranmayi shall at once accompany us to his palace."

Hiranmayi was amazed, but did not dare to refuse. The raja's orders could not be disobeyed. Moreover there was no occasion for fearing to enter Raja Madan Deva's palace. The Raja enjoyed the highest reputation for kindness and virtue. Not only was he virtuous himself, but owing to his vigilance no woman ran any risk of insult or annoyance under his roof.

Hiranmayi said to Amala, "I agree to pay my respects to the raja. Come you with me."

Amala agreed to go, and her mistress, mounting into the palanquin, was carried to the palace in great state. A maidservant conveyed the news of Hiranmayi's arrival to the raja and