Page:Indira and Other Stories.pdf/145

 "I accepted it as a token of his passionate love for me!"

The raja was still more astonished.

"What do you mean?" he asked. "What sort of love do you mean?"

"My prince," she cried, "I am a wicked woman. I am not worthy to be your wife. I make my obeisance. Suffer me to depart. Forget that you were ever wedded to me."

Hiranmayi bowed low and was about to depart when the raja's puzzled face was irradiated by a jovial smile. He laughed aloud.

Hiranmayi turned her face towards him.

"Hiranmayi!" he cried, "you have beaten me fairly! I have lost the battle of wits. Look, you are not a wicked woman, nor am I your husband! Do not go yet."

"Maharaj," she replied, "will you then explain to your servant what all this business means? I am only a poor woman. Can I believe that so exalted a personage is pleased to amuse himself at your servant's expense?"