‘With a tremulous voice Ghritachi replied:
‘“I ask for the service of no man or woman. Your company, Rupaka, should you wish to linger with me a while, would be as welcome to me as my touch was to your former state.”
‘“I must warn you, Ghritachi, that my curse is only partly lifted. I am still weighed down by a condition most unfortunate, though in your company it lightens to the most infinite delight. Will you hear me, or do you wish to proceed along your way?”
‘Ghritachi, confused, indicated to the kneeling figure to rise, and to speak on. As he rose, some acquaintances of the young woman, returning to the village from the fields, came into view. She saw them look aghast when their eyes fell upon her companion, their hands rising to cover their disgusted faces; one or two jeered and l
