Page:Broken Ties and Other Stories.pdf/95

 leads neither to courage, nor restraint, nor peace. That poor woman who is dead,—her heart’s blood was sucked dry by this Fury, Passion, who killed her. Did you not see the hideous countenance of the murderess? For God’s sake, my Master, I implore you, do not sacrifice me to that Fury. Oh, save me, for if anybody can save me, it is you!’

For a space all three of us kept silent. So poignant became the silence all around, it seemed to me that the vibrating drone of the cicadas was but a swoon-thrill of the pallid sky.

Satish was the first to speak. ‘Tell me,’ said he to Damini, ‘what is it you would have me do for you?’

‘Be my guru! I would follow none else. Give me some creed—higher than all this—which can save me. Do not let me be destroyed, together with the Divinity which is in me.’

Satish drew himself up straight, as he responded: ‘So be it.’

Damini prostrated herself at his feet, her forehead touching the ground, and remained long thus, in reverential adoration, murmuring: ‘Oh, my Master, my Master, save me, save me, save me from all sin.’