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The Mockery of Fate
307
"Mother! I am absolutely pure and innocent. I am not at all guilty of any blameworthy conduct; nor have I committed any despicable act, which might stain the splendid name of our royal line. Your son came here on the night of the day on which he left the city on his march of victory. He came here accompanied by his friend, Prahasit; and then ....." Anjana said with a palpitating heart.
"Mother! What Anjana says is absolutely true. I was, here at that time" Vasanta Tilaka said supporting what Anjana had said.
“Keep quiet! Don't I know you? You artful creature ! After all, are you not birds of the same feather! Thieves stand by each other! What have you done joining together? I am not ignorant of your insideous nature! All these days you were carrying on your tricks behind the curtains of pretence. To-day, your treachery has come to light; and you stand unmasked”. Queen Ketumati said, giving vent to her raging anger.
"But I can produce evidence of Pavananjay's visit to me !"
"I have seen many truthful women of your kind. Are you trying to throw dust into my eyes ? Come on. Let me see what evidence you have !"
Anjana took off from her finger, the signet-ring that Pavananjay had given her; and placed it in her hands.
Queen Ketumati took the ring; looked at it turning it this side and that: and closely observed it. Then, she thought for a while. She returned the ring to Anjana : and said :
"Lewd women are expert liars. They are experts in cheating others by their concocted stories and by their contrived tricks. My son does not even like to glance at you. How could he have met you ? Ah! What an excellent drama you are enacting! Stealing; and over and above that lying! But I am not going to be taken in by your treacherous tricks. You can cheat others by these false evidences and pretended purity; not me! Understand ?”
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