Sleeman was in deep trouble.

If she starved herself to death her family would be disgraced; and, moreover, starving would be a more lingering misery than the death by fire.

He went back in the evening thoroughly worried.

The old woman remained on her rock, and there in the morning he found her with her dhaja still on her head.

"She talked very collectedly, telling me that she had determined to mix her ashes with those of her departed husband, and should patiently wait my permission to do so, assured that God would enable her to sustain life till that was given, though she dared not eat or drink.