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 lost her, he may not seek to come to Birnagar again; he may not care to meet her he wished to wed, or him who has wedded her. Such things have happened in the lives of ardent young men."

This was a cruel, insulting allusion, but Gokul Das had taken off his velvet glove because he meant to fight. He would save Birnagar even if he had to poniard his Master.

The red blood mantled the brow of Sirish for a moment, but he calmly answered:

"My wife will know how to receive him who perhaps once thought of wedding her when she was a girl. I ask not thy advice in our domestic affairs, Gokul Das; speak of other reasons if thou hast any."

"Little occasion there is, Master, to discuss other reasons, as we know not yet if Norendra Nath is alive to-day. My last news from Agra is that he was insensible for days and that royal physicians had despaired of his life."

Again there was a pause and Sirish brushed away a tear. But his voice was calm and firm:

"Heaven will help the young disinherited man who has suffered so much so early in life. But should he have succumbed to his wounds received in battle, his relations are the next heirs—not the Master of Debipur."

"It was the late Master of Debipur who wished to add Birnagar to his possessions; I know not if the new Master would like to disregard the last wishes of his father."

"Didst thou, Gokul Das, see my revered father-in-law when he lay helpless in his bed and knew that death was coming?"

"I did, Master Sirish, and my heart broke to see