“He had a fever. In the night time he rose from his bed and left the house and the village. He walked upon the jungle path—into the jungle—to the jungle pool. It was night, and there was a tiger hunting.... Madhava died nearly six years ago.”
“Madhava!—I heard that he was to be married.”
“He was married.”
“They said the woman was beautiful. Her name was Zira.”
“Yes. Zira.”
“Is she living?”
“Yes, she is living.”
“She was very beautiful.... All these years she has been named a widow.”
“All these years she has been widow,” said Zira. “She may live yet many years.”
“A widow has a miserable life,” said the man. “Is she yet beautiful?”