Page:Indira and Other Stories.pdf/142

 daring speech. He said, "You are a very rash young woman! No one ever yet charged Raja Madan Deva with being a robber or a cheat!"

"Well, but how did the ring come into your highness's hands?"

"Ananda Swami put it on my finger on the night of your wedding!"

Hiranmayi hung her head with shame at this announcement. She said, "My prince, forgive your handmaiden's offence. I am but a witless being, and have sinned from ignorance."

  Hiranmayi was much astonished at hearing that she was the wife of so exalted a personage. But she experienced neither pride nor pleasure. Rather was she depressed in spirits. She reflected, "All this time I have been separated from Purandar, it is true, but at least I have not been married to any one else. From this time forth I must know the pain of loveless marriage. Besides I am Purandar's wife in my heart. How