Thus the servant Hira became the cause of suffering to Kunda, who saw that Hira’s zeal and attention did not arise from affection.  She perceived that Hira, though a servant, showed want of trust in her, and continually scolded and insulted her.  Kunda was of a very peaceful disposition; though rendered ill by Hira’s conduct she said nothing to her.  Kunda’s nature was calm, Hira’s passionate.  Thus Kunda, though the master’s wife, submitted as if she were a dependant; Hira lorded it over her as if she were the mistress.  Sometimes the other ladies of the house, seeing Kunda suffer, scolded Hira, but they could not stand before Hira’s eloquence.

The Dewan hearing of her doings, said to Hira:  “Go away; I dismiss you.”

Hira replied, with flaming eyes:  “Who are you to dismiss me?  I was placed here by the master, and except at his command I will not go.  I have as much power to dismiss you as you have to dismiss me.”

The Dewan, fearing further insult, said not another word.  Except Surja Mukhi, no one could rule Hira.

One day, after the departure of Nagendra, Hira was lying alone in the creeper-covered summer-house in the flower-garden near to the women’s apartments.  Since it had been abandoned by Surja Mukhi and Nagendra, Hira had taken possession of this summer-house.  It was evening, an almost full moon shone in the heavens.  Her rays shining through the branches of the trees fell on the white marble, and danced upon the wind-moved waters of the talao close by.  The air was filled with the intoxicating perfume of the scented shrubs.  There is nothing in nature so intoxicating as flower-perfumed air.  Hira suddenly perceived the figure of a man in a grove of trees; a second glance showed it to be Debendra.  He was not disguised, but wore his own apparel.

Hira exclaimed in astonishment:  “You are very bold, sir; should you be discovered you will be beaten!”

“Where Hira is, what cause have I for fear?” Thus saying, Debendra sat down by Hira, who, after a little silent enjoyment this pleasure, said—­

“Why have you come here?  You will not be able to see her whom you hoped to see.”

“I have already attained my hope.  I came to see you.”

Hira, not deceived by the sweet, flattering words she coveted, said with a laugh:  “I did not know I was destined to such pleasure; still, since it has befallen me, let us go where I can satisfy myself by beholding you without interruption.  Here there are many obstacles.”

“Where shall we go?” said Debendra.

“Into that summer-house; there we need fear nothing.”

“Do not fear for me.”

“If there is nothing to fear for you, there is for me.  If I am seen with you what will be my position?”

Shrinking at this, Debendra said:  “Let us go.  Would it not be well that I should renew acquaintance with your new grihini?”

The burning glance of hate cast on him by Hira at these words, Debendra failed to see in the uncertain light.