He
thought: "Now I know you, I can make you dance to my measure, and
whenever I please effect my designs through you."
With these thoughts in his mind, he departed. But Debendra did not yet
know Hira.
CHAPTER XX.
GOOD NEWS.
It is mid-day. Srish Babu is at office. The people in his house are
all taking the noon siesta after their meal. The _boita khana_ is
locked. A mongrel terrier is sleeping on the door-mat outside, his
head between his paws. A couple of servants are seizing the
opportunity to chat together in whispers.
Kamal Mani is sitting in her sleeping chamber at her ease, needle in
hand, sewing at some canvas work, her hair all loose; no one about but
Satish Babu, indulging in many noises. Satish Babu at first tried to
snatch away his mother's wool; but finding it securely guarded, he
gave his mind to sucking the head of a clay tiger. In the distance a
cat with outstretched paws sits watching them both. Her disposition
was grave, her face indicated much wisdom and a heart void of
fickleness. She is thinking: "The condition of human creatures is
frightful; their minds are ever given to sewing canvas, playing with
dolls, or some such silly employment.
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