INDIRA AND OTHER STORIES
her lifelong affection for you. What do you think, sir, was this gentle creature's answer to a most offensive accusation? 'I am a guilty woman,' she said, 'and not worthy to be your highness's wife.' Hiranmayi, it was with pleasure and respect that I comprehended the motive that led a good woman to accept a cruel and false insinuation. Rather than yield yourself to a union without love, you were willing to endure a slanderous accusation. My child, with all my heart, I wish you and your husband all happiness!"
But even now Hiranmayi was not fully satisfied.
"Maharaj," she said, "satisfy your servant's curiosity on one other point. If Purandar was absent in Ceylon, how was it that he was able to be present at the wedding in Benares? And if he was able to proceed to the Sacred City at that time, how was it that we were all kept in ignorance of the fact?"
"Ah," said the raja, "that is easily explained. The Swami and Purandar's father
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