188 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
to revive within his torpid bosom, already glowing 
with kindled sympathy. Tears gathered in his eyes, 
unmoistened for many a sad month ; and when the 
unhappy criminal saw that her narrative had sub- 
dued him to visible emotion, she threw herself at 
his feet and wept with moving anguish. 
“ Woman,” said the Brahmin after a pause, “you 
are fully acquainted with the laws which regulate our 
order : I therefore need not tell you that the loss . of 
caste renders you no longer fit to hold communion 
with those in whose society you once shared. All in- 
tercourse betwixt us must be for ever cut off in this 
world and in the next : you have forfeited that para- 
dise which you were once privileged* to claim as 
your especial inheritance.” 
This was spoken without sternness, yet in a tone 
of despondency which seemed to imply his regret at 
being for ever separated from one whom he had once 
loved with so ardent an affection that the withdraw- 
ing of it had almost riven his heart. 
“But,” said the still prostrate wife imploringly, 
“is it not possible for me to regain caste by paying 
certain penalties ? Whatever these may be, I am 
willing to undergo them if that will restore me to 
your affection. I had better cease to live than hold 
life upon conditions which render every moment an 
interval of mental torture.” 
“ The price that will be demanded for a restora- 
tion to your forfeited honours, if you appeal to that 
tribunal which adjudges the penalties in similar 
* Brahmins suppose that the mere circumstance of their 
being Brahmins wiU secure to them eternal bliss. 
