She felt no suspicion of this
new affection; she imagined Hira to be sour-tempered, but not
unfaithful. The woman said--
"Why do you weep, _Ma Thakurani?_"
Kunda did not speak, but only looked at Hira, who saw that her eyes
were swollen and the pillow soaked.
"What is this? you have been crying all night. Has the Babu said
anything to you?"
"Nothing," said Kunda, sobbing with greater violence than before.
Hira's heart swam with joy at the sight of Kunda's distress. With a
melancholy face she asked--
"Has the Babu had any talk with you since he came home? I am only a
servant, you need not mind telling me."
"I have had no talk with him."
"How is that, Ma? After so many days' absence has he nothing to say to
you?"
"He has not been near me," and with these words fresh tears burst
forth.
Hira was delighted. She said, smiling, "Ma, why do you weep in this
way? Many people are over head and ears in trouble, yet you cry
incessantly over one sorrow. If you had as much to bear as I have,
you would have destroyed yourself before this time."
Suicide! this disastrous word struck heavily on the ear of Kunda;
shuddering, she sat down. During the night she had frequently
contemplated this step, and these words from Hira's mouth seemed to
confirm her purpose.
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