HURD WAR. 
207 
my own worth, that I say, if I can prove myself 
possessed of each of these good qualities, receive me 
for thy son. I have considerable riches, and am of thy 
own caste. Wherefore should I not speak openly ? ” 
The bania arose, and warmly embraced the pearl- 
merchant. “ If,” said he, “ you can make all these 
virtues your own within twelve months, Vanadosini 
shall he yours also, and an ample dower shall go 
with her.” With much cordiality, the new friends 
separated ; and the next morning, long before day- 
break, the pearl-merchant had departed on his way. 
Throughout the night, Purwatti’s repose was greatly 
disturbed with anxious speculations concerning his 
beloved child’s future life, and though he entertained 
the highest admiration of the pearl-merchant, he 
could not but regard with caution so great a stranger. 
If, thought he, this man can render himself worthy of 
her love, he shall marry her; and upon this thought he 
began to calculate what sum of money he should be able 
to lavish upon her; then covetousness taking possession 
of him, led him to regret all that he must bestow 
here or there, without being able to add it to the 
heap of treasure with which he should present her. 
Then he remembered the seven thousand rupees which 
he was bounden to pay to the Brahmins before sun- 
rise on the morrow, as the tenth part of the amount 
he had expended upon the chaplet ; but the demon 
of avarice took power over his heart, and he, having 
long endeavoured, without success, to frame some 
t 2 
