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 with the army. But be not anxious, sister, the Badshah's troops will be victorious as ever, and Noren will return in triumph."

But Hemlata's face was pale, and a tear which she could not restrain glistened in her eye.

"Ay, sister," said Saibalini, "it makes us all sad to think of that brave young man disinherited and wandering as an exile."

The tear was no longer restrained; it slowly rolled down Hemlata's pallid cheek. She wiped it away and was silent.

"Weep not, sister Hemlata, for the day of rejoicing is nigh. The wars, my brother says, will soon be over, and Noren will soon be restored to Birnagar. You know Sirish loves Noren like a brother, and he has resolved in his own heart that Noren shall be seated again in his grandfather's estate."

"No nobler man lives on earth than thy brother, dear Saibalini; Bhagavan has made me happy in his great love."

"He will rejoice, Hemlata, when Noren returns home after so many years. We shall all welcome him, and thou, Hemlata, must choose a suitable bride for the dear companion of thy childhood."

"I will do all I can, Saibalini, to make him happy in life," calmly replied Hemlata.

"Dost thou remember, Hemlata, how he used to take us to the garden at Birnagar and tell us of his family? Dost thou remember how his eyes sometimes filled with tears and his face glowed with all the ardour of his race?"

Hemlata made no reply. She remembered those tearful eyes, those glowing words, too well.

"And then came the unfortunate accident on the