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"That I do not know; he never remains long in one place." "Does any one know when he will return?" asked Nagendra. "I have some business with him, therefore I also made that inquiry, but no one can tell me." "How long is it since he left?" "About a month." "Could any one show me the house of Haro Mani Boisnavi, of this village?"
What could secluded women understand of the method of that singing? An intelligent person would have comprehended that this perfect singing was not due to natural gifts alone. The Boisnavi, whoever she might be, had received a thorough scientific training in music, and, though young, she was very proficient. The Boisnavi, having finished her song, was urged by the ladies to sing again.
At this offer Hira became very zealous, and asked, "When may I go to make inquiry?" "When you like; but if you do not follow her now you will not be able to trace her. Be careful that neither the Boisnavi nor any one else suspects you." At this moment Kamal returned, and, approving of Surja Mukhi's design, said to Hira, "And if you can, prick her with babla thorns."
Nevertheless, I cannot give Kunda into Debendra's hand; the thought of it torments me. Rather I will so manage that she shall not fall in his way. How shall I effect that? I will place Kunda where she was before, thus she will escape him. Whether he dress as Boisnavi or Vasudeva, he will not obtain admission into that house; therefore it will be well to take Kunda back there. But she will not go!
Then, falling flat on the floor, he saluted Hira, and with glass in hand began to sing in her praise. Hira had discovered during the day that Haridasi Boisnavi and Debendra Babu were one and the same person. But with what design Debendra had entered the house of the Dattas it was not so easy to discover.
"There is no difficulty in that. From my friendship with Tara Charan, I asked him to introduce me to his wife. He did so, and from that time I have loved her." "After that what happened?" asked Hira. "After that, because of your mistress's anger, I did not see Kunda for many days. Then I entered the house as a Boisnavi.
Her thoughts were absent, so she remained where she was seated. Haridasi sang no more, but talked on trivial subjects. Seeing that there would be no more singing, all left except Kunda Nandini, whose feet seemed as though they would not move. Thus, finding herself alone with Kunda, the Boisnavi talked much to her. Kunda heard something of her talk, but not all.
Why, then, did she not seek the water? Haridasi Boisnavi, returning to the garden-house, suddenly became Debendra Babu, and sat down and smoked his huka, drinking brandy freely at intervals until he became intoxicated. Then Surendra entered, sat down by Debendra, and after inquiring after his health, said, "Where have you been to-day again?" "Have you heard of this so soon?" said Debendra.
The Boisnavi, making a profound salute, cast one more glance at Kunda and went away. Once out of the range of Surja Mukhi's eyes, she made a few gentle taps on the tambourine, singing softly "Ah, my darling! I'll give you honey to eat, golden robes to wear; I'll fill your flask with attar, And your jar with water of rose, Your box with spice prepared by my own hand."
"Stay a moment," said Kamal, "I will fetch a babla branch, and let her feel its thorns." Thus saying, Kamal went in search of a bough. On the way she saw Satish, who had got possession of his aunt's vermilion, and was seated, daubing neck, nose, chin, and breast with the red powder. At this sight Kamal forgot the Boisnavi, the bough, Kunda Nandini, and everything else.
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