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106 "Women always hear more of each other than men," said she.

"What have you heard?" Mathur again inquired.

"What propriety is this in you," replied she a little archly now, "to enquire about the secrets of woman."

Mathur Ghose felt vexed. From whatever motives, he evidently desired that Matangini should enjoy the benefit of his protection, and he felt vexed, as we have said, at this unexpected resistance from one who, he was aware, was pretty well accustomed to have her own will.

"At least you will admit," he added after musing for some time, "you will admit that it looks very bad to turn out a kinswoman from the house, for you know she is a kinswoman of ours. Has she not a claim upon us?"

"She is our kinswoman through another kinswoman" was the ready reply. "Why has she not sought shelter with her sister? Are we nearer or dearer to her than her sister? She dares not perhaps to seek shelter with those who know her well."

"You are very ungenerous," returned Mathur in vexation of spirit, "what can you have to object to an unfriended woman ? Is there want of food or raiment in my house?"

"No," returned she proudly, "at least I shall not claim my share if she become welcome to them. Send me to my father's house and let her live here. My father is not one who will be