‘Very well, I won't tell him, but I shan't be able to stay long. To-morrow is my sister's annaprashan, and I must go to-day.’
‘Oh, my child! I beg you to listen to me this once. Quiet your mind for a while and sit by him. Don't let him see your hurry.’
‘What can I do? The train won't wait for me. Anath will be back in ten minutes. I can sit by him till then.’
‘No, that won't do. I shall never let you go to him in that frame of mind.… Oh, you wretch! the man you are torturing is soon to leave this world; but I warn you, you will remember this day till the end of your days! That there is a God! that there is a God! you will some day understand!’
‘Mashi, you mustn't curse me like that.’
‘Oh, my darling boy! my darling! why do you go on living longer? There is no end to this sin, yet I cannot check it!’
Mashi after delaying a little returned to the sick-room, hoping by that time Jotin would be asleep. But Jotin moved in his bed when she entered. Mashi exclaimed:
‘Just look what she has done!’
‘What's happened? Hasn't Mani come? Why have you been so long, Mashi?’