NO! On the evening of that day, Kunda was sitting near the _talao_[9] in the middle of the garden.

The _talao_ was broad; its water pure and always blue.

The reader will remember that behind this _talao_ was a flower-garden, in the midst of which stood a white marble house covered with creepers.

In front, a flight of steps led down to the water.

The steps were built of brick to resemble stone, very broad and clean.