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, a girl, had ever loved her gentle playmate, Sirish. Hemlata, a wife, soon came to appreciate his solid worth and virtues. She saw with a woman's insight the depth of purpose which lay hid beneath his calm and placid face, and she admired with the pride of a wife the manly truth and unshaken probity which elevated his character. She adored the strong upright man whom her parents had chosen for her husband, and whom the gods had destined to be her stay and support through life.

Heiress to one of the richest estates in Bengal, she had married a youth, well born and well connected, but of humble circumstances. Yet so great was the natural humility and gentleness of her nature that the thought of her proud position never came to her; she felt herself supremely fortunate in being united to one so gifted, so great, so adorable.

Years passed in unbroken peace. The thoughtful youth looked into the affairs of the estate as the health of Nobo Kumar declined, and rose to the responsibilities of his high station. And the innocent, gentle girl bloomed into lovely womanhood, and managed her vast household with all the sweetness and solicitude of a kind and careful housewife. When the day's work was over she would often come and sit beside her lord, and would wile away his many cares and anxieties by her gentle smile and sweet, duteous prattle.

Nevertheless there was one thought which often