Page:Indira and Other Stories.pdf/59

 has been absent from home this long time. No one knows where she has been, or what sort of a reputation she has made for herself. Therefore, I regret to say, I cannot admit her to my home."

My father was grievously offended. He reported the matter to my mother, who informed me. I told my companions to tell my parents not to be anxious. "Bring him to me," I said, "into the inner apartments, and trust me to deal with him."

But the obstinate man utterly refused to enter the women's quarters.

"I will not meet a wife," he said, "whom I refuse to take into my house." Finally, moved by the tears of my mother, and the laughter and sarcasms of my young companions, he consented to take a light meal in the inner apartments.

He took his seat in the room prepared for his refection. There was no one standing near him. They had all gone away. He was eating with downcast head, when I crept silently