From the midst of the thick cloud
another face smiled, while every now and then flashes of lightning
broke forth. Kunda perceived with alarm that the incessantly smiling
face resembled that of Hira, while her mother's compassionate
countenance was very grave. The mother said: "Kunda, when I came
before you did not listen, you did not come with me; now you see what
trouble has befallen you." Kunda wept. The mother continued: "I told
you I would come once more, and here I am. If now you are satisfied
with the joy that the world can give, come with me."
"Take me with you, mother; I do not desire to stay here longer."
The mother, much pleased, repeated, "Come, then!" and vanished from
sight.
Kunda woke, and, remembering her vision, desired of the gods that this
time her dream might be fulfilled.
At dawn, when Hira entered the room to wait upon Kunda, she perceived
that the girl was crying. Since the arrival of Kamal Mani, Hira had
resumed a respectful demeanour towards Kunda, because she heard that
Nagendra was returning. As though in atonement for her past behaviour,
Hira became even more obedient and affectionate than formerly. Any one
else would have easily penetrated this craftiness, but Kunda was
unusually simple, and easily appeased.
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