Noting a cloud or two in the sky he moved restlessly, saying, "I think it is going to rain." It was Hira's wish that he should sit awhile; but she was a woman, living alone; it was night, she could not bid him stay, if she did she would be taking another step in the downward course.

Yet that was in her destiny.
Debendra said, "Have you an umbrella ?" There was no such thing in Hira's house.

Then he asked, "Will it cause remark if I sit here until the rain is past ?" "People will remark upon it, certainly; but the mischief has been done already in your coming to my house at night." "Then I may sit down ?" Hira did not answer, but made a comfortable seat for him on the bench, took a silver-mounted _huka_ from a chest, prepared it for use and handed it to him.
Debendra drew a flask of brandy from his pocket, and drank some of it undiluted.

Under the influence of this spirit he perceived that Hira's eyes were beautiful.

In truth they were so--large, dark, brilliant, and seductive.