CHAPTER IX.
SURJA MUKHI'S LETTER.
Dearest Srimati Kamal Mani Dasi, long may you live! "I am ashamed to address you any longer with a blessing.

You have become a woman, and the mistress of a house.

Still I cannot think of you otherwise than as my younger sister.

I have brought you up to womanhood, I taught you your letters; but now when I see your writing I am ashamed to send this scrawl.

But of what use to be ashamed?
My day is over; were it not so how should I be in this condition?
What condition ?--it is a thing I cannot speak of to any one; should I do so there will be sorrow and shame; yet if I do not tell some one of my heart's trouble I cannot endure it.