human
Dost thou know her?
gpt
Know her?--Yes, Maharaj, returned Gunga,
human
It is curious, said the man, musing.
gpt
There, raise her up till my wife comes; we have had charge of her given to us, and she is to watch here to see if the Mother comes to her to prove herself what she says she is. Did she ever prophesy?
human
The Mother came to her once, replied Gunga,
gpt
What trouble?
human
O, her father and mother are dead, killed in the fight at Tooljapoor, and she is here, among strangers, with no one to help her; is not that trouble enough, Maharaj? replied the girl.
gpt
And she is so beautiful, too; they say she is a witch, and steals men's hearts, and throws them away; but I don't know that she is--she is only beautiful--look at her.
human
Ah, that's the worst I have heard yet,
gpt
Yes, but she is pure, quite pure, sir, returned Gunga earnestly,
human
continued the girl dreamily, pushing away Tara's hair from her face, and looking into her eyes:
gpt
No, she is alive, replied the Brahmun, feeling her hand and forehead.
human
Wait, I will bring some water.
gpt
Would she were dead--dead ere he came, Gunga muttered to herself.
human
He will not spare her now--ah me! not now: and in the heat and confusion of victory, who will care for her? All those she loved last, too, are dead--all gone--and that fair boy with the rest! Ah me, better she died! Tara, drink! here is water!