CHAPTER XI.
CAUGHT AT LAST.
It was as though a flower had bloomed in the family house at Govindpur.

The sight of Kamal Mani's smiling face dried the tears in the eyes of Surja Mukhi.

The moment she set foot in the house Kamal took in hand the dressing of her sister-in-law's hair, for Surja Mukhi had neglected herself lately.
Kamal said, "Shall I put in a flower or two ?" Surja Mukhi pinched her cheek, and forbade it.
So Kamal Mani did it slily.

When people came in she said, "Do you see the old woman wearing flowers in her hair ?" But even Kamal's bright face did not dispel the dark clouds from that of Nagendra.

When he met her he only said, "Where do you come from, Kamal ?" She bent before him, saying bashfully, "Baby has brought me." "Indeed! I'll beat the rascal," replied Nagendra, taking the child in his arms, and spending an hour in play with him, in return for which the grateful child made free with his moustache.
Kamal Mani playfully accosted Kunda with the words, "Ha, Kundi, Kundi! Nundi, Dundi! are you quite well, Kundi ?" The girl was silent in astonishment, but presently she said, "I am well." "Call me _Didi_ (elder sister); if you do not I will burn your hair when you are asleep, or else I will give your body to the cockroaches." Kunda obeyed.