The Poison Tree: A Tale of Hindu Life in Bengal

out to begin with the marriage of Kunda Nandini. By another custom that has existed from ancient times, whoever shall

mplexion and a snub nose; his heroism found exercise only in the schoolroom; and as for h

endra she was married to Tara Charan. Tara Charan took home his beautiful w

on and the opening of the zenana. In the discussions that ensued, the Master Babu had said vauntingly: "Should the opportunity ever

e neighbours now, quoting an old song, said, "Where now is his pledge?" Debendra said, "Wh

he made an excuse that his house was in need of repair, and sent Kunda Nandini to Nagendra's house. When the repairs of the house were completed, Kunda Nandini returned home. A few days after, Debendra, with some of his friends, called upon Tara Charan, and jeered him for his false boasting. Driven thus, as it wer

Mukhi hearing of this, forbade her to accept the invitation, and she did not go. Later, Debendra again going to Tara Charan's house, had an interv

ow. Tara Charan died of fever. Surja Mukhi took Kunda to live with her, and selling t

in fact the tale is only begun. Of the poiso