"Sister! I did not know you were here! When did you arrive?" Then as he received no reply he continued turning to his trembling wife. "Woman, have you seen to the comfort of the big mistress? Have you provided the curry she likes with plenty of green chutney?"
She was not to be taken in by this solicitation for her personal welfare, and she replied sharply:
"I have everything I want. As the house is mine I have only to give my orders. Sister, go to the kitchen and see that the rice is properly strained before it is served out."
Sooba's wife gladly made her escape, and left her husband to bear the brunt of the storm that she guessed was not far off.
"You have taken too much upon you, brother. We did not make you master of the house, but steward in our absence. It seems that you have misunderstood your position."
"I have done my best," replied Sooba sullenly. "From all we have heard it is probably that the time is not far distant when I shall be the real master, since the son you bore your husband has become an outcaste."
The taunt only added fuel to the fire that was already burning within the breast of the mother.
"The mention of my son reminds me to ask where he is. News was brought to the silk farm which I could scarcely believe. It was said that you had driven him away, and that he has left his home without saying where he has gone."
"My fool of a wife has been telling you tales," he replied, scowling in a manner that promised ill for her.
"I have learned nothing from your wife. I asked no questions but kept them for you. The news was brought to me by the men who returned from carrying the last bales of silk to the go-downs in Chirapore. They heard it in the bazaar; and I have come to inquire into its truth and to learn first and foremost where my son is."