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THE WRECK

at Ramesh's age. (To Chakrabartti) Come along, sir, we'll go and make thorough inquiries in the city."

"Will you stay with us, Akshay?" asked Annada Babu.

"I'm afraid I can't give you a definite answer," said Akshay; "I've taken this affair so much to heart, Annada Babu. I'll have to devote all my time in Benares to this search. Think of At position of this delicately-nurtured girl; we assume that she found life at home unbearable and was forced to leave it! Con- sider what she may be suffering now. Ramesh may be indifferent to her fate but I'm not built that way."

Akshay and Uncle departed leaving Annada Babu anxiously scannnig his daughter's face. Hemnalini on her part had a tremendous struggle to retain her composure, knowing, as she did, her father's fears on her behalf.

"Dad," she said at length, "I think you should get a doctor to examine you thoroughly to-day. So little upsets your health nowadays that you obviously need special treatment."

Annada Babu felt considerably relieved. To find that, after Ramesh's conduct had been so fully can- vassed, Hemnalini was still capable of solicitude about his health lifted a weight off his mind. In ordinary circumstances he would have endeavoured to dismiss the subject summarily, but as it was he replied: "That's a good idea. It would be just as well if I did have myself examined. I had better send for Dr. Nalinaksha at once, don't you think so?"

Henmalini was conscious of a slight shrinking at the mention of Nalinaksha. It would require a con- siderable effort to meet him on the old footing in her father's presence. However, she answered cheer- fully, "That will be best. I'll send some one to fetch him."

Annada Babu now took courage from Heninalini's

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