Page:A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields.djvu/9

Rh fingers patting my grizzled cheek, then perhaps some quotation from Mrs. Barrett-Browning, her favourite poetess, like this—

or some similar pleasantry.

The great ambition of the sisters was to publish a novel anonymously, which Toru should write, and Aru, who was far more deft at the pencil, should illustrate. Toru's part of the contract has been faithfully fulfilled. I have before me her manuscript. It is in the form of a diary written in French by a young lady. The scene is laid in France, and the characters are all French men and women. I shall publish it probably hereafter. Aru did not live to complete her part of the undertaking.

After her return to India, Toru commenced the study of Sanscrit along with me. We laboured hard at it, for not quite a year; her failing health compelled me to order her to give it up. She made a few translations as we read together. As two of these pieces have been published, I may as well reprint them here. The first appeared in the 'Calcutta Review,' the second in the 'Bengal Magazine.'


 * Maitreya. Of old thou gav'st a promise to relate

The deeds of Bharat, that great hermit-king; Beloved Master, now the occasion suits, And I am all attention.


 * Parasara. Brahman, hear.

With a mind fixed intently on his gods