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 woman's curiosity, sister; a woman will think of these things."

The thought came into Hemlata's mind that this was woman's impertinence rather than woman's curiosity. She was a little confused as she answered, "He became a soldier, Begum Saheba, under Raja Man Singh's orders, and according to the high traditions of his House."

A burst of laughter from the Begum added to the confusion of Hemlata. "I think little of the high spirit of thy friend," said the Begum, "if any orders, the Raja's or the Emperor's, could take him away from so sweet a companion as thyself."

Hemlata was the gentlest of women, but annoyance and anger were depicted on her forehead. The Begum seemed not to notice this, and went on with her wicked inquiries as a surgeon operates with his unfeeling knife.

"But perhaps, dear sister, I do him wrong. He is brave, so I have heard, and he is faithful in his heart. Perhaps he has not quite forgotten the companion of his boyhood, for rumour says Norendra Nath hath not taken a wife."

Hemlata rose from her seat. She was feeling giddy, and the room was stifling. She bowed to her hostess, and spoke in a voice which trembled.

"Permit me, Begum Saheba, now to depart, for it is getting late. Among our race young men seek no brides, and young girls choose no husbands. Parents arrange our marriages, and our religion teaches us to be faithful wives to those with whom we are united by God. And He blesses all true women, who devote themselves to their husbands and perform a wife's duty on earth."