I feel today that man is at times attacked with evil as with the plague. Some germ finds its way in from somewhere, and then in the space of one night Death stalks in. Why cannot the stricken one be kept far away from the rest of the world? I, at least, have realized how terrible is the contagion--like a fiery torch which burns that it may set the world on fire. It struck nine. I could not get rid of the idea that Amulya was in trouble, that he had fallen into the clutches of the police. There must be great excitement in the Police Office--whose are the jewels?--where did he get them? And in the end I shall have to furnish the answer, in public, before all the world. What is that answer to be? Your day has come at last, Bara Rani, you whom I have so long despised. You, in the shape of the public, the world, will have your revenge. O God, save me this time, and I will cast all my pride at my sister-in-law's feet. I could bear it no longer. I went straight to the Bara Rani. She was in the verandah, spicing her betel leaves, Thako at her side. The sight of Thako made me shrink back for a moment, but I overcame all hesitation, and making a low obeisance I took the dust of my elder sister-in-law's feet. "Bless my soul, Chota Rani," she exclaimed, "what has come upon you? Why this sudden reverence?" "It is my birthday, sister," said I. "I have caused you pain. Give me your blessing today that I may never do so again. My mind is so small." I repeated my obeisance and left her hurriedly, but she called me back. "You never before told me that this was your birthday, Chotie darling! Be sure to come and have lunch with me this afternoon. You positively must." O God, let it really be my birthday today. Can I not be born over again? Cleanse me, my God, and purify me and give me one more trial! I went again to the sitting-room to find Sandip there. A feeling of disgust seemed to poison my very blood. The face of his, which I saw in the morning light, had nothing of the magic radiance of genius. "Will you leave the room," I blurted out. Sandip smiled. "Since Amulya is not here," he remarked, "I should think my turn had come for a special talk." My fate was coming back upon me. How was Ito take away the right I myself had given. "I would be alone," I repeated. "Queen," he said, "the presence of another person does not prevent your being alone. Do not mistake me for one of the crowd. I, Sandip, am always alone, even when surrounded by thousands." "Please come some other time. This morning I am ..." "Waiting for Amulya?" I turned to leave the room for sheer vexation, when Sandip drew out from the folds of his cloak that jewel-casket of mine and banged it down on the marble table. I was thoroughly startled. "Has not Amulya gone, then?" I exclaimed. "Gone where?" "To Calcutta?" "No," chuckled Sandip.