SHE KNEW HER DUTY
"By his sacred memory, husband, I shall be thy true and loving wife!" The words came spontaneously from her lips and from her heart.
"Thou hast ever been a true and loving wife, Hemlata," said her husband as he kissed her tenderly, "but there is something in which I need thy woman's courage and resource. There is something about Noren which I have withheld from thee, my wife."
There was a troubled look in Hemlata's eyes as she looked at her lord, and her heart beats could almost be heard.
"Noren went with the Emperor's troops to fight the Afghans in the South. The Emperor's troops were beaten, and Noren was wounded in the disastrous battle."
Her prophetic soul had feared this, and long had she silently mused on this. One convulsive sob burst forth from her when she knew her fears were true. And she hid her face in her husband's bosom and wept.
"Weep, dearest, for I know thou hast loved Noren like a brother ever since childhood. To me also he is dear, and I have wept for him as for an absent brother."
There was a long pause. Sirish had disclosed to his wife the sad news which he had withheld for months during her father's illness, and for weeks after his death. And his generous heart forgave his wife's convulsive grief and agonising tears for an absent friend and a wounded soldier.
"Heaven will preserve his life, my sweet wife, and Heaven will help me to do my duty. I am the Master of this estate which thy father has left, and thou art the Rani of Debipur to-day. Debipur has duties
225
