Page:Indira and Other Stories.pdf/48

 His lodging was hard by, in Simla, and we went thither, he and I together. When we got there, I noticed that there were two rooms. Into one of these I preceded him, slammed the door in his face, and drew the bolts! The poor man was left outside!

He made the most piteous entreaties to be admitted. I laughed and said, "I have now entered your service. But let me see if the flood of your passion will not have run dry by to-morrow morning. If I find that you are still as fond of me to-morrow, we will have some further talk. Now say good-night, and go away."

I utterly refused to open the door, and finally he went away elsewhere. I hope he slept! It was quite late in the morning when I opened the door. I found him humbly waiting my pleasure. I took his hand in mine.

"Lord and master," I said, "either send me back to Ramram Datta, or promise not to come near me for a whole week. Let that be a test of your patience and fortitude."