Page:Rajmohan's Wife.djvu/119

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CONSULTATIONS AND COUNCIL
113

"I believe, nothing, so far as I could gather. I had some talk with the domestics on purpose, but I believe they had no suspicion of anything."

"Still," said the sardar, lowering his eyes while a fierce glance shot therefrom, "we must get rid of her."

"Why, consider," said Rajmohan, "consider if she may not be spared."

"Ah! was I right when I said you were—"

"Hear me sardar, hear me out," interrupted Rajmohan with vehemence. "I hate that wretched woman more than you can ever do. Had I found her out that morning, you would have seen I am no lover. But I confess now that my blood has cooled, I have not the courage and cruelty to do such a deed. Besides, what we feared she had not done; she neither went to Madhav Ghose's house, nor made a noise of last night's affair. If she has not done it to-day, what reason is there that she will do it to-morrow."

"Well," said the sardar, musing, "I have a place and it may suit both your mind and ours."

"What is it?" inquired Rajmohan.

"Pack up, take your beautiful wife with you, and come and live with us at Mitguntie."

"And lead the life of a robber?"

"Yes. Are you not one?"

"Perhaps, but it is impossible for me to be one by reputation."

"You decline to go?"

"Yes, I have others to take care of, besides this wretched wife. Can I lead the life of a robber with such a family?"

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