"
The _Dewan_, fearing further insult, said not another word. Except
Surja Mukhi, no one could rule Hira.
One day, after the departure of Nagendra, Hira was lying alone in the
creeper-covered summer-house in the flower-garden near to the women's
apartments. Since it had been abandoned by Surja Mukhi and Nagendra,
Hira had taken possession of this summer-house. It was evening, an
almost full moon shone in the heavens. Her rays shining through the
branches of the trees fell on the white marble, and danced upon the
wind-moved waters of the _talao_ close by. The air was filled with the
intoxicating perfume of the scented shrubs. There is nothing in nature
so intoxicating as flower-perfumed air. Hira suddenly perceived the
figure of a man in a grove of trees; a second glance showed it to be
Debendra. He was not disguised, but wore his own apparel.
Hira exclaimed in astonishment: "You are very bold, sir; should you be
discovered you will be beaten!"
"Where Hira is, what cause have I for fear?" Thus saying, Debendra sat
down by Hira, who, after a little silent enjoyment this pleasure,
said--
"Why have you come here? You will not be able to see her whom you
hoped to see.
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