Chapter Forty Two

In the new fortress of Padachinha there are met today, in happiness, Mahendra, Kalyani, Jibananda, Shanti, Nimai, Nimai's husband and Sukumari. All assembled in joy. Shanti had come in the garb of Nabinananda. That night when she brought Kalyani to her hut, she had warned her that the fact of Nabinananda being a woman must not be disclosed by Kalyani in her husband's presence. One day Kalyani sent for her into the inner apartments. Nabinananda entered the women's quarters. The servants forbade him; he would not heed.

Shanti came up to Kalyani and asked: "Wherefore didst thou call?"

Kalyani: How long wilt thou go on dressed as a man? I see thee not — nor can I speak with thee. Before my husband thou must be made known.

Nabinananda fell into deep thought; long she spoke not; at last she said: "There are many hindrances therein, Kalyani."

So the two went on talking. Meanwhile those servants who had forbidden Nabinananda's entrance into the inner apartments went and brought word to Mahendra that Nabinananda had forced his way in, and would not be stayed. Curious thereat, Mahendra also went into the inner apartments. Entering Kalyani's bedchamber, he saw Nabinananda standing in the room, with Kalyani's hand upon his person, loosening the knot of his tiger-skin. Mahendra was utterly astonished — and exceeding wroth.

Nabinananda, beholding him, laughed and said: "What now, Goswami! mistrust between Child and Child?"

Mahendra then asked Shanti: "Who art thou?"

Shanti: Shriman Nabinananda Goswami.

Mahendra: That is mere imposture; thou art a woman?

Shanti: At this present, of necessity.

Mahendra: Then let me ask thee one thing — being a woman, why dost thou continually keep the company of the reverend Jibananda?

Shanti: That thing I will not tell thee.

Mahendra: Thou being a woman, doth the reverend Jibananda know thereof?

Shanti: He doth know.

Hearing this, the pure-souled Mahendra grew very sorrowful. Beholding this, Kalyani could contain herself no longer, and said: "She is the wedded wife of Jibananda Goswami — the lady Shanti Devi."

For a moment Mahendra's face was lit with gladness. Again a shadow fell upon it. Kalyani understood, and said: "She is a Brahmacharini."