"
The man went to do his bidding; then Nagendra fell senseless on the
floor.
That night Nagendra left Benares behind him. Oh, world-enchanting
Benares! what happy man could have quitted thee on such an autumn
night with satiated eyes? It is a moonless night. From the Ganges
stream, in whatever direction you look you will see the sky studded
with stars--from endless ages ever-burning stars, resting never.
Below, a second sky reflected in the deep blue water; on shore,
flights of steps, and tall houses showing a thousand lights; these
again reflected in the river. Seeing this, Nagendra closed his eyes.
To-night he could not endure the beauty of earth. He knew that Siva
Prasad's letter had been delayed many days. Where was Surja Mukhi
now?
CHAPTER XXIX.
HIRA'S POISON TREE HAS BLOSSOMED.
On the day when the _durwans_ had driven out Debendra Babu with
bamboos, Hira had laughed heartily within herself. But later she had
felt much remorse. She thought, "I have not done well to disgrace him;
I know not how much I have angered him. Now I shall have no place in
his thoughts; all my hopes are destroyed."
Debendra also was occupied in devising a plan of vengeance upon Hira
for the punishment she had caused to be inflicted on him.
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