"You will have to tell him that Ananda is dead."
"I shall do nothing of the kind—at present. It is strange that the well refuses to give up the body."
"Not at all, husband. The gods have permitted the demon of the well to do its worst. Perhaps one day his bones may be brought to light; but we shall never see his body again."
"As far as we are all concerned it would be a good thing if he were never seen again. It would solve the difficulty of funeral ceremonies," remarked Sooba complacently.
"Does our sister say nothing about Dorama?"
"Nothing at all."
"If she knew she would ask for the jewels. You have them all safe?"
"Perfectly safe."
"Why not replace them in the family chest?" she asked, a touch of anxiety in her voice.
"Because I choose to keep them myself."