"Did no one notice you, my pearl?"
"Who would let his eye rest on the unlucky widow any longer than he could help? Those who might have seen turned their heads away."
"Your wife may thank your enemies for what they did," remarked Alderbury. "Without her widow's dress she could never have escaped."
"Bopaul brought some food with him, for we had a long way to go. We walked steadily for an hour. Then he made me sit down and rest. Afterwards we walked again, and my heart beat fast when I heard the call of the big fire carriage; but I grew quiet again when I sat by Mr. Alderbury's side, and we flew along the road like the wind. I felt that no one, not even our uncle, could catch me and take me back. Ah, husband, how I suffered when they did this to me!"
She passed her hand over her bald head. Ananda stooped and kissed the shaven crown.
"Beloved, it will soon grow again and be more beautiful than ever."
Alderbury slipped away unnoticed. He was full of sympathy for the two poor souls who had passed through so much pain whilst for himself all had been as he desired.
CHAPTER XXVIII
Mayita had a long day in the little room by herself, but the time passed quickly. Bopaul provided her with a packet of cakes and sweets to serve instead of the midday meal which she would be obliged to miss. He explained to his mother that they were going some distance and would not be home till sunset. No surprise, therefore, was caused by Mayita's absence.