"Ah! husband!—the child! They say that it was through my neglect and carelessness that the boy came under the influence of the evil eye; it was but right therefore that I should be punished."
The bereaved mother poured the story of little Royan's illness and death into her husband's ears. Together the parents wept, stifling their grief lest the sound of a sob or a sigh should betray them. Little, indeed, had Ananda suspected that as he listened indifferently to the wailing his beloved child was passing away from them for ever.
"What will life be without my child or my husband?" cried Dorama at last. "I cannot bear it; I shall die!"
"No, you will not. Beloved, I am leaving my home to-night to find more liberty than I am given here in this cruel town. Come with me. Let us go together. Once across the border of the State our rights will be respected. We are of age, free to act as we choose, and no one can separate you from me or do either of us any hurt."
"Husband! I am your obedient wife!"
*****
Ananda looked at his watch. It was half-past two.
"It is time we started, beloved. Can you walk as far?" he asked anxiously as he made his final preparations.
"I can walk the distance easily if my lord will give me time."
"Then let us begin the journey at once. We will go to the further corner of the compound and get over the wall. Before the sun is up we shall be far enough from the town not to fear recognition."