Page:Rajmohan's Wife.djvu/154

148 Matangini, "I would not go, if earth held a place where I could remain."

"Would you?" asked the wretch, "I think I can serve you. I would conceal you in a place where nobody could find you out."

"No," said Matangini thoughtfully, "I must not conceal myself. Evil tongues will be busy."

"Then why not come to your sister's house?"

Matangini heaved a deep sigh. "No! that is not to be thought of."

The artful woman appeared to sympathize sincerely with her helpless situation, and at length suggested embarking for her father's house.

"How am I to find the means?" said Matangini sorrowfully.

"Oh! as for that, I dare say my elder mistress will find you a boat if she knew you wished it; and I can accompany and leave you there."

Matangini wept, anticipating this act of kindness on Tara's part.

"Shall I go and tell her?"

"Yes," said Matangini, joyfully.

"You then wait where I leave you till I come back. There no one will observe you. Come."

Matangini went where the woman-fiend led. She led her to the little room above-stairs in the godown-mahal. The sombre and deserted appearance of the rooms shot a chill through her heart as she passed the approaches. She was surprised to find the deserted dark little room splendidly furnished. She turned to Suki's mother to explain