Draupadi.[1] At soups, acids, curries of small fish or of vegetables, parched grain, &c., she was an accomplished hand. Again, in drawing figures on the floor,[2] in making ornaments of Khayer,[3] toys of artificial flowers, and in needlework, she was without a rival. She was the only one in the village who could be depended upon in the braiding of hair and adorning of brides. Having no nearer relative, she dwelt in Brahmânanda's house.
The beautiful Rohini was stirring the pulse in the pan with a stick. At some distance sat the cat, her paws spread out. Rohini now and then cast sweetly fascinating glances at the cat, to see if animals too, like women, could be made to thrill by the snare of lightning flashes from the eye (as a snake fascinates a frog). The cat, taking these sweet glances as an invitation to eat the fried fish, was gradually advancing, when Hara Lâl came tramping in. The cat, frightened,
