Page:Indira and Other Stories.pdf/143

 shall I, loving another, desecrate this great man's home by being his wife?"

Her mind was busy with such thoughts when the Raja said:

"Hiranmayi, you are my spouse indeed. But before taking you to myself, there are some questions I must beg you to answer. How is it that you are living in Purandar's house without paying any rent?"

Hiranmayi stood abashed with downcast looks.

Again the raja asked, "Why is your servant Amala always going to and from Purandar's residence?"

Hiranmayi was still more abashed and distressed. She thought to herself, "Is the raja omniscient?"

The raja went on, "There is another very important matter. Why did you, a married woman, accept a necklace of enormous value from Purandar?"

This time Hiranmayi summoned up courage to reply,