Page:The Wreck.djvu/99

THE WRECK

at this stage he ought to use the knife instead of try- ing to console her. For fear of inflicting pain he is only keeping back the unwelcome truth from her."

"Do you know what has happened, dad?" he said aloud.

"No, what is it asked Annada Babu eagerly.

"Ramesh started for home the night before last in the Goalundo mail taking his wife with him. When he saw Akshay get into the train, he changed his plans and came hack to Calcutta."

Henmalini's hand shook and she spilt the tea which she was pouring out. She subsided hastily into a chair.

Jogendra glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. "I can't conceive what his motive was in run- ning away, seeing that Akshay knew everything al- ready. His former conduct was mean enough in it- self, but on the top of that to take fright and run away like a thief ! in my opinion it's simply disgusting. I don't know what Hem thinks of it, but I consider his flight sufficient evidence of guilt."

Trembling in every limb, Hemnalini rose to her feet. "I don't want your evidence, thank you," she said to her brother, "you can condemn him if you like, but I'm not his judge."

Jogendra. "Have we nothing to do with the man who was going to marry you ?"

Hemnalini. "I said nothing about marriage. Break the engagement or not just as you think fit; but you needn't try to break my resolution."

A fit of sobbing choked any further utterance; An- nada Babu rose and clasped her tear-bedewed face to his breast

"Come, dear, we'll go upstairs," was all that he

said.

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