CHAPTER V.
THE WIDOW.
WHERE is Tilottama? Ah! where the fatherless, forlorn girl? Where is Bimala? Whence had Bimala come to the place of execution? Where did she go after that grim proceeding?
Why did not Virendra Singha seek an interview with his beloved daughter in his last moments? Why did his wrath kindle at the simple mention of her name? Why had he exclaimed, "I have no daughter!" Why had he flung away Bimala's letter without even perusing it? Ah! why? Bring but your recollection Virendra's rebuke of Katlu Khan and see what a terrible thing had taken place.
"You have stained me and mine." had roared out the chained lion.
Do you ask where Tilottama and Bimala are? Search the seraglio of Katlu Khan and you will find them.
'Tis the way of the world! Such is the inexorable turning of Fortune's wheel! Youth, beauty, sincerity, purity—all, all are crushed out by its relentless pressure.
Katlu Khan had made a rule that whenever any beautiful woman should be taken captive in the capture of any village or
