Page:Broken Ties and Other Stories.pdf/94

 Satish looked at her inquiringly, but made no reply.

Damini went on: ‘Tell me truly, of what use to the world is this thing with which your sect is occupied day and night? Whom have you been able to save?’

I came out from my room and stood on the veranda.

Damini continued: ‘This passion, passion, passion on which you harp,—did you not see it in its true colours to-day? It has neither religion nor duty; it regards neither wife nor brother, nor the sanctuary of home; it knows neither pity nor trust, nor modesty, nor shame. What way have you discovered to save men from the hell of this cruel, shameless, soul-killing passion?’

I could not contain myself, but cried out: ‘Oh yes, we have hit upon the wonderful device of banishing Woman right away from our territory, so as to make our pursuit of passion quite safe!’

Without paying any heed to my words, Damini spoke on to Satish: ‘I have learnt nothing at all from your Master. He has never given me one moment’s peace of mind. Fire cannot quench fire. The road along which he is taking his devotees