172 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
CHAPTER XVI. 
After the departure of his wife, the Brahmin was 
in a state of mind bordering upon distraction. Her 
absence was involved in mystery, which tortured 
him more than the wretchedness induced by her ac- 
tual loss. He felt, convinced, in spite of past endear- 
ment, that she had left him of her own free will ; 
a suspicion never for an instant crossing his mind 
that she had been forcibly taken from the tank in 
which it was her custom to enjoy the morning bath. 
But why she should have quitted a home that 
appeared to yield her such complete satisfaction, he 
could not imagine. He had always treated her 
with tenderness ; this she had often warmly avowed, 
and the best possible understanding and good-will 
appeared to exist between them. Inquiries were 
everywhere made to discover the supposed fugitive, 
but no welcome tidings reached the ears of the anxious 
husband. A conjuror was, as usual, consulted with- 
out effect : the discovery, in this instance at least, 
baffled his skill. 
Week after week elapsed, still all search proved fruit- 
less — every inquiry vain ; and the indignant Brahmin 
pronounced a bitter malediction upon his wife for her 
supposed infidelity. She had dishonoured him and 
abjured her caste ; he now therefore only sought to dis- 
