Page:Between the twilights being studies of Indian women by one of themselves (IA betweentwilights00soraiala).pdf/55

Rh arranged round a great central place of prayer, under an awning, to which were four “Gate-ways.” At each gateway hung a looking-glass to hold the shadow of the spirit. … Beside the awning stood a wooden image of the dead, and to this was tethered a cow. So we bought for her blessings. This was also the purpose of the final ritual—gifts to Priests—silver vessels, beds with silken hangings, jewels of gold, and precious stones; … for the apostles of the order, whole travelling-kits—neat rolls of matting, drinking-gourds, umbrellas, begging-bowls. …

But, after all, it was in the Zenana that regret and longing were prettiest rendered. … In the hour of Union (as we call the Twilight in Bengal), when the glories of the West had died into silence, and earth and sky were gray and still as life at the passing of a friend—she who was now Maharani—my ten-year-old Bride, crept out on to the landing of “the Inside” to sprinkle with holy water the place where soul and body parted, and to light the death-light of welcome.

“She will come back, and know that we have not forgotten.”