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 "The Brahmin has answered with rice in his mouth. That's no speaking", thought Ashmani.

"Holla, mirror of gallantry!"

Answer. "Hum!"

Ashmani. "Speak first, man, and then eat."

Answer. "Hu-u-um!"

Ashmani. "Is it come to this? You a Brahmin, and do this sort of thing! I will straight tell it to the holy Swami. Whom have you got in the room?"

The Brahmin eyed round with apprehension, but seeing nothing, began to eat again.

"What's this?" said Ashmani. "Why do you eat again? Do you eat after speaking?"

Diggaja. "Why? When have I spoken?"

Ashmani burst out into a laugh.

"Now you have!"

Diggaja. "Right, right, right. No, then I shan't eat again."

Ashmani. "Certainly not. Why, get up then and open the door."

Ashmani saw through the opening that the Brahmin was actually about to rise from his meal.

"No, no," said she. "You must finish the quantity of rice still left."

Diggaja. "No, that can't be. I have spoken."

Ashmani. "How's that? On my life, you must eat."

Diggaja. "Horrible! How can I, after speaking?"

Ashmani. "I am going then—I had many confidential words for you, which you shan't hear. I am going."