Wronged us! There may be some of us who don't like you; there is not one who could bear to be sent away, not one who would exchange this house for the palace of the campta though you pronounce him kingly in nature as in power." She spoke as she believed, if she spoke in error.

"If so, my child, why have you all been so bitter against Eveena?
Why have you yourself been jealous of one who, as you admit, has been a favourite only in a love you did not expect ?" "But we saw it, and we envied her so much love, so much respect," she replied frankly.

"And for myself,"-- she coloured, faltered, and was silent.

"For yourself, my child ?" "I was a vain fool," she broke out impetuously.

"They told me that I was beautiful, and clever, and companionable.