Malati was not a servant of Debendra's, not even a dependent, but yet a follower; the services that others refused to perform, he obtained from her.
At sight of this woman the cunning Hira said: "Sister _Ganga jal_! may I meet you at my last moment; but why have you come now ?" Malati whispered, "Debendra Babu wants you." Hira, with a laugh: "Are you not to get anything ?" Malati answered, "You best know what you mean.

Come at once." As Hira desired to go, she told Kunda that she was called to her master's house, and must go to see what was wanted.

Then extinguishing the light, she put on her dress and ornaments, and accompanied _Ganga jal_, the two singing as they went some love song.
Hira went alone into Debendra's _boita khana_.

He had been drinking, but not heavily; he was quite sensible.

His manner to Hira was altogether changed; he paid her no compliments, but said: "I had taken so much that evening that I did not understand what you said.