CHAPTER XL.
THE END.
After Kunda Nandini's death, people asked where she obtained the poison, and all began to suspect that it was Hira's work.
Nagendra directed that Hira should be called, but she was not to be found; since Kunda's death she had disappeared.

From that time no one ever saw Hira in that part of the country; her name was no longer heard in Govindpur.
Once only, a year later, she showed herself to Debendra.

The poison tree planted by Debendra had by that time borne fruit; he was seized with a malignant disease, and as he did not cease drinking, the disease became incurable.

During the first year after Kunda's death, Debendra's summons came.

Two or three days before his death, as he lay on his bed without power to rise, there suddenly arose a great noise at the door.
In answer to Debendra's inquiries, the servant said, "A mad woman wants to see you, sir; she will not be forbidden." He gave orders that she should be admitted.