Hembati had many virtues; she was ugly, ill-tempered, unamiable, selfish.

Up to the time of his marriage with her, Debendra's character had been without stain.

He had been very studious, and was by nature steady and truth-loving.

But that marriage had been fatal to him.

When Debendra came to years of discretion he perceived that on account of his wife's disposition there was no hope of domestic happiness for him.