Page:Indira and Other Stories.pdf/152

 marriage vows. He paid me the compliment of saying that he would not have entrusted the ring to anyone else in the world, but that in my case he had no scruples. Let me hasten to add that you have triumphantly sustained the little test to which I subjected you."

"But," objected Hiranmayi, "I do not even now understand the nature of the test to which your highness was pleased to subject his humble servant!"

Even as she spoke, the lofty halls of the palace resounded with joyous nuptial music. "The eleventh hour has struck," said the raja, "I will tell you about the test of your now proved constancy later. Your husband has arrived. Your first sight of him occurs at an auspicious moment."

At this moment a door behind Hiranmayi was thrown open. A tall and handsome man stepped gravely into the chamber. The raja said,

"Hiranmayi, let me present you to your husband!"