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In reply to her words, Kunda went behind her so as to pour the water into her hands. They were at such a distance from the rest that words spoken gently could not be heard by any of them. Kunda poured the water, and the Boisnavi washed her hands and face. While thus engaged the latter murmured, "Are you not Kunda?" In astonishment Kunda replied, "Why do you ask?"
Early the next morning Hira related to Surja Mukhi all that she had heard from Debendra his three years' passion, and his present attempt to play the lover to Kunda Nandini in the disguise of a Boisnavi. Then Surja Mukhi's blue eyes grew inflamed with anger, the crimson veins on her temples stood out. Kamal also heard it all. Surja Mukhi sent for Kunda Nandini, and when she came said to her
"You are my all, my present and my future; why should I hide anything from you? I did speak harshly to Kunda; then, fearing you would be angry, I said nothing to you about it. Forgive me that offence; I am telling you all." Then she related the whole matter frankly, from the discovery of the Boisnavi Haridasi to the reproof she had given to Kunda. At the end she said
Kunda, ashamed, bent her head smiling, but did not speak aloud; she whispered in the ear of a companion, "Mention some hymn." The companion said, "Kunda desires that you will sing a hymn." The Boisnavi then began a hymn. Kunda, seeing that the Boisnavi had neglected all other commands to obey hers, was much abashed.
Kamal felt that Kunda did not comprehend what was for her own peace. On this occasion, Haridasi Boisnavi entering, sang "I went into the thorny forest to pluck a soiled flower Yes, my friend, a soiled flower; I wore it twined about my head, I hung it in my ears Friends, a soiled flower." This day Surja Mukhi was present. She sent to call Kamal to hear the singing.
"Have you ever seen your mother-in-law?" "No." Kunda had heard that her mother-in-law, having lost her good name, had left the place. Then said the Boisnavi: "Your mother-in-law is here now. She is in my house, and is crying bitterly to be allowed to see you for once. She dare not show her face to the mistress of this house. Why should you not go with me to see her?
The cry, "Yes, yes! sing!" sounded on all sides from old and young. Raising her tambourine, the Boisnavi seated herself near the ladies, where Kunda was teaching the little boy. Kunda was very fond of music; on hearing that the Boisnavi would sing she came nearer. Her pupil seized the opportunity to snatch the sweetmeat from the other child's hand, and eat it himself.
Kunda replied, "I cannot go without the Grihini's permission." This Haridasi forbade. In that case your mother-in-law would flee the country." The more the Boisnavi insisted, the more Kunda refused to go without the Grihini's permission. Haridasi having no other resource, said: "Very well, put the thing nicely to the Grihini; I will come another day and take you.
Surja Mukhi, examining the Boisnavi from head to foot, inquired, "Who are you?" An aunt of Nagendra's explained: "She is a Boisnavi who came to sing. I never heard such beautiful singing! Will you let her sing for you? Sing something about the goddesses." Haridasi, having sung a beautiful piece about Sham, Surja Mukhi, enchanted, dismissed her with a handsome present.
"Kunda, we have learned who Haridasi Boisnavi is. We know that he is your paramour. I now know your true character. We give no place in our house to such a woman. Take yourself away from here, otherwise Hira shall drive you away with a broom." Kunda trembled. Kamal saw that she was about to fall, and led her away to her own chamber.
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