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THE WRECK

Hemnalini. "Ramesh Babu, have you seen the Ner- budda?"

Ramesh. "No, I've never been there." Hemnalini "You ought to see it, shouldn't he, dad ?"

Annada Bahu. "Well, look here, why shouldn't Ra- mesh come with us? He'll have a change of air and see the Marble Rocks too."

This twofold tonic being considered an essential item in Ramesh's cure he did not quarrel with the prescription.

His whole being seemed to float on air that day. To calm the tumult of his heart he shut his door and turned to his harmonium, but his soul soared above pedantic accuracy and his fingers danced insanely over the keys in a riot of harmony and discord. The pros- pect of an early separation from Heninalini had plunged him into the depths of depression. Now in the exuberance of his joy he flung to the winds all his painfully-acquired knowledge.

He was interrupted by a knock at the door and a voice crying, "In Heaven's name, stop, Ramesh Babu! what are you doing?"

Ramesh turned red with confusion and opened the door. Akshay stepped in remarking: "Ramesh Babu, aren't you making yourself liable to be hauled up in your own Court by indulging in this secret vice of yours?"

Ramesh laughed : "I plead guilty."

"There's something I want to talk to you about, Ramesh Babu, if you won't mind," went on Akshay.

Wondering what was coming Ramesh waited in silence for Akshay to begin.

Akshay. "You must know by this time that Hem- nalini's welfare is not a matter of indifference to me?"

Ramesh said neither "yes" nor "no" but waited for the next remark.

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