He was thinking, "She will die
to-day or to-morrow, as God may will. What can I do? If I willed it,
could I die instead of her? I might die; but would that save Surja
Mukhi?"
No, Nagendra, your dying would not save Surja Mukhi; but it would be
well for you to die.
After a time Surja Mukhi sat up; again clasping her husband's feet,
she said: "Grant me one boon."
"What is it?"
"Remain one month longer at home. If in that time we do not find Kunda
Nandini, then go; I will not keep you."
Nagendra went out without reply. Mentally he consented to remain for a
month; Surja Mukhi understood that. She stood looking after his
departing figure, thinking within herself: "My darling, I would give
my life to extract the thorns from your feet. You would leave your
home on account of this wretched Surja Mukhi. Are you or I the
greater?"
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE CAGED BIRD.
Hira had lost her place, but her relation with the Datta family was
not ended. Ever greedy for news from that house, whenever she met any
one belonging to it Hira entered into a gossip. In this way she
endeavoured to ascertain the disposition of Nagendra towards Surja
Mukhi. If she met no one she found some pretext for going to the
house, where, in the servants' quarters, while talking of all sorts of
matters, she would learn what she wished and depart.
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