The
girls and boys were dancing, singing, and clapping their hands. Kamal
Mani was going round directing that shells should be blown and other
joyous demonstrations, laughing, crying, and even dancing.
Hira was astonished. Stepping into the throng, she stretched her neck
and peeped about. What were her feelings on beholding Surja Mukhi
seated on the floor, a loving smile upon her lips; submitting to be
decked with all her ornaments, so long laid aside, speaking kindly to
all, a little shamefaced.
Hira could not all at once believe that Surja Mukhi who had died was
now amongst them smiling so pleasantly. Stammeringly she asked one of
the throng of women, "Who is that?"
Kousalya heard the question, and answered, "Don't you know? The
goddess of our house, and your executioner."
Kousalya had lived all this time in fear of Hira. Now in her day of
triumph she vented her spleen.
The dressing being completed and all kindly greetings exchanged,
Surja Mukhi said in a low voice to Kamal Mani, "Let us go and see
Kunda. She is not guilty of any fault towards me. I am not angry with
her; she is now my younger sister."
Only they two went. They were long away.
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