CHAPTER VIII
Ramesh was not long in returning to his former lodg- ings. Of the misunderstanding that had clouded his relations with Hemnalini, not a trace remained. He was treated like a son of the house, shared in the fam- ily jokes, and was never absent on any festive occasion.
Long spells of close study had given Hemnalini a fragile appearance and one would almost expect her slender form to snap before a strong breeze. She had been reserved and silent and her friends hesitated to address her for fear she should take offence.
A few days produced an astonishing change in her appearance and manner. A delicate flush took the place of pallor in her cheeks and at every word her eyes danced with merriment. There was a time when she had considered it frivolous or even a crime to pay much attention to dress. What induced her now to change her ideas on this subject will never be divulged for she took no one into her confidence.
Ramesh on his part had been scarcely, less serious and conscientious. Mind and body alike seemed weighed down by a sense of his responsibilities. The stars course freely in their orbits but the astronomer's observatory with all its instruments must needs be firmly fixed on stable foundations. Even so Ramesh had remained rooted to his books and their philosophy amid the giddy whirl of the world's life. Now, how- ever, a new and unprecedented liveliness lightened up his sombre demeanour. He still had difficulty in finding a retort to sallies but he could mark his appre-
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