At that she pulled her sari forward, turning away from him. His look and tone repelled her, frightened her; yet she could not call for Roy, who was playing his part too scrupulously well.
"Go——! Leave me!" she commanded desperately, louder than she had spoken yet. "I am not ungrateful. But—making pujah[14]—I wish to be alone——"
His chuckling laugh sent a shiver through her.
"Why these airs of the zenana with one enlightened—like yourself...?"
He broke off and retreated abruptly. For a shadowy figure had sauntered into view.
Arúna sprang towards it—zenana airs forgotten. "Oh, Roy——!"
"Did you call, Arúna?" he asked. "Thought I heard you. This fellow bothering you——? I'll settle him——" Turning, he said politely: "My cousin is here, under my escort, to make pujah, guru-ji. She wishes to be alone."
"Your cousin, except for my timely intrusion, would by this time be permanently secure from interruption—in the belly of a mugger,"[15] retorted the supposed ascetic—in English.
Roy started and stared. The voice was unmistakable.
"Chandranath! Masquerading as a saint? You are no guru."