Page:Indira and Other Stories.pdf/147

 "Read, now, what is written," said the raja.

Hiranmayi read as follows:—

"(By examination of the stars I observed) that the plans you have made are inauspicious. (A golden image such as Hiranmayi) should not be submitted to the risk of long widowhood. Her marriage would cause terrible misfortune. I have found by astrological calculation that she will be a widow at an early age. Nevertheless, if husband and wife do not for five years (see one another), in that case I may be able to indicate a line of action whereby (they may be) able to escape from the evil planetary influences which threaten them."

When Hiranmayi had read this, the raja said,

"This paper was given to your father by Ananda Swami."

"So I now understand," said Hiranmayi. "I see now why our eyes were blindfolded at our wedding, why the ceremony was performed in so extraordinary and secret a fashion, why