72 
THE ORIENTAL ANNUAL. 
to perform a pilgrimage to Allahabad and Hurd war, 
observing the most rigorous vows of toil and abstinence 
to remove the displeasure of the great Brahma; but he 
was compelled, in compliance with the entreaties of his 
brother and sister-in-law, to leave his darling partner 
under their care and protection, her daily declining health 
rendering her quite unable to attempt the journey. 
“ The resolute Bhagut tore himself from the en- 
twined arms of his wife, and commenced his painful 
pilgrimage. From that day the oppression of sickness 
began to be removed from the life of Lall Radha, and 
in a very few months the bright hue of health resumed 
its resting place on her soft cheek. Her glancing eye, 
her once more musical voice spoke joy, and hope, and 
confidence in the safe and happy return of Bhagut. 
The days rolled round, the weeks and months passed 
on, and, as Bhagut returned not, anxiety took posses- 
sion of her heart : still her fears were only such as a 
wife’s love of necessity entertains ; though her religious 
confidence was for a moment dashed with heart-heaving 
apprehension, it was unspoken, and the next moment 
dispelled with penitence for her unholy doubt. 
A year had passed away since Bhagut had taken his 
departure. It was the anniversary of that occurrence, 
and the beautiful Lall Radha, full of joy and hope, spoke 
with energetic faith her assurance that the long absent 
pilgrim would return that day. Having performed 
her ablutions and devotion, she dressed herself with 
more than usual care, and putting on her bridal orna- 
