Page:Rajmohan's Wife.djvu/121

Rh 'Elder House'," returned Kishori, "but you have not done so."

Rajmohan started up in anger and surprise. "It is false!" he cried, "I myself saw her coming in that woman Suki's mother's company."

"That's strange," replied Kishori, "but she has not returned. Ask anybody here—none has seen her." Rajmohan flew like a tiger round the house and ransacked every part of it, but could not find Matangini skulking anywhere.

"Run," he cried to his sister, "run to her sister's house; the wretch has sheltered herself there no doubt. Stop—ask aunt to go over to Kanak's house and look for her there. She may be there probably. I shall keep watch for her here."

Both Kishori and her aunt started on their errands, but both returned unsuccessfully. Vexation, rage, and surprise bewildered the disappointed husband. With angry words and gestures he again compelled his sister to undertake another fatiguing journey in the midday to learn by inquiry in Mathur Ghose's household if Matangini had not returned. The obedient Kishori executed her commission with patience and fidelity, but could not succeed in bringing any news of her sister-in-law.