Early the next day they started by boat, and arrived there in due time.

Before entering the house they met the women-servants and some neighbours, who had come to bring Kamal Mani from the _ghat_.

Both she and her husband were extremely anxious to know if the marriage had taken place, but neither could put a single question.

How could they speak to strangers of such a shameful subject?
Hurriedly Kamal Mani entered the women's apartments; she even forgot Satish Babu, who remained lingering behind.

Indistinctly, and dreading the answer, she asked the servants-- "Where is Surja Mukhi ?" She feared lest they should say the marriage was accomplished, or that Surja Mukhi was dead.