CHAPTER XXI.
SURJA MUKHI AND KAMAL MANI.
When, in the evening, the two gained self-control to talk together, Surja Mukhi related the affair of the marriage from beginning to end.
Astonished, Kamal Mani said-- "This marriage has been brought about by your exertions! Why have you thus sacrificed yourself ?" Surja Mukhi smiled, a faint smile indeed, like the pale flashes of lightning after rain; then answered-- "What am I?
Look upon your brother's face, radiant with happiness, then you will know what joy is his.

If I have been able with my own eyes to see him so happy, has not my life answered its purpose?
What joy could I hope for in denying happiness to him?
He for whom I would die rather than see him unhappy for a single hour; him I saw day and night suffering anguish, ready to abandon all joys and become a wanderer--what happiness would have remained to me?
I said to him, 'My lord, your joy is my joy! Do you marry Kunda; I shall be happy.' And so he married her." "And are you happy ?" asked Kamal.
"Why do you still ask about me?
what am I?
If I had ever seen my husband hurt his foot by walking on a stony path, I should have reproached myself that I had not laid my body down over the stones that he might have stepped upon me." Surja Mukhi remained some moments silent, her dress drenched with her tears.

Suddenly raising her face, she asked-- "Kamal, in what country are females destroyed at birth ?" Kamal understanding her thought, replied-- "What does it matter in what country it happens?
it is according to destiny." "Whose destiny could be better than mine was?
Who so fortunate as myself?
Who ever had such a husband?
Beauty, wealth, these are small matters; but in virtues, whose husband equals mine?
Mine was a splendid destiny; how has it changed thus ?" "That also is destiny," said Kamal.
"Then why do I suffer on this account ?" "But just now you said you were happy in the sight of your husband's joyous face; yet you speak of suffering so much.

Can both be true ?" "Both are true.

I am happy in his joy.