Page:The Slave Girl of Agra.djvu/234

 he came," spoke the daughter of Birnagar House, roused just for one moment to her old pride of family. "But pride is sin," she added in a sadder voice, "and the high-born youth has suffered for his sins."

"Indeed he has, mother, although the great Raja Man Singh wished to treat him kindly. Another Ruler might not have forgiven the rash act which nearly sent my late beloved Master to a watery grave."

Gokul Das had mustered courage and had now taken the offensive.

"There is mercy in heaven," gently replied Nobo Kumar's widow, "for the rashness and folly of youth. We, too, need his mercy, Gokul Das, we who with our riper experience forget His ways, and intrigue and covet and steal when our foot is on the brink of the grave."

Gokul Das was sorry he had spoken.

"But the evening grows late, Gokul Das, and I wish not to talk of these things; Sirish, perhaps, will have something to tell you about Noren and his grandfather's estate. Tell me how far from Agra is Mathura. My soul hungers for that sacred place, and may He, who is Mercy, let me see that sacred shrine before my eyes are closed for ever."

"It is not far, mother, from Agra to Mathura, and a boat may do the journey in a day."

"Arrange then for a humble house for me there, on the banks of the Jumna. There I wish to bathe in the sacred river every rising sun, there I seek to worship in the holy temples, and there let me pass away in peace, for my work on earth is done."

"Mother's wishes will be carried out, and long may mother live in health and peace, though far from us."

"One word more, Gokul Das, before I go to my