Page:Rajmohan's Wife.djvu/91

Rh the reader's leave, place before him for his gratification.

"Ma gow!" said Kanak with a shudder, after having listened for some time in silent and mute astonishment. "Ah! were it I, I would have been dead through fear. But you are a brave woman. But do you think of returning to your husband's house?"

"Where else can I go?" replied Matangini with a deep drawn sigh.

"Ah, do not, do not return, I beseech you," returned Kanak vehemently, "they will kill you."

"I know my death is inevitable, but who can help fate? Who will tell me how I can find a shelter elsewhere?" and Matangini wept.

"My house will be no shelter for you, I know well," replied Kanak, her eyes brimming over with tears in sympathy for the affliction of her friend. "But you must not return home. Why will you not go to your sister?"

Matangini's features changed; she dashed the tear-drops from her eyes, and assuming the same energy of voice in which she had bidden Madhav farewell, said, "Never! never again while life lasts."

Matangini's manner silenced all contradiction. Kanak covered her face with her anchal and wept.

"Ah, mothers!" interrupted a voice from behind "What are you speaking of in secret? Ah, you are weeping I see; why, what is the matter?"