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CHAPTER XIII.


Bhramar could not be induced to plead with her father-in-law. The thought of doing so covered her with shame![1]

Reluctantly Gobind Lâl went himself to his uncle. Krishna Kanta after his meal sat, half reclining, on his bed, grasping the stem of his hukâ, fast asleep. Whilst his nose discoursed sweet music in measured tones and modes of various kinds, his mind, thanks to the opium, mounted on the steed that travels the three worlds, was visiting many places. Rohini's bright face had, I fancy, intruded into the old man's mind, else why

  1. It was not unkindness that prevented Bhramar from interceding for Rohini with her father-in-law. Among the many rules of domestic etiquette which govern the conduct of women in a Hindu household is one which forbids a wife from talking freely with her father-in-law, and it was this feeling of restraint and artificial shame that withheld Bhramar from speaking to Krishna Kanta Râi about Rohini.

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