Page:Indira and Other Stories.pdf/68

 child clung pathetically to the paltry garlands she had woven, and held them tight to her bosom.

As she was struggling bravely along, someone emerged from the darkness and ran up against the child. So far Radharani had not wept audibly. The shock and surprise overcame her childish resolution, and for the first time she could not restrain a piteous wail.

The newcomer asked, kindly enough, "Who is this small person crying in the dark?" It was a man's rough voice, but there was something in its tone that stayed the child's tears. The voice was that of a stranger, but the girl felt instinctively that it expressed kindness and compassion. She stopped crying and said:

"We are very poor people. There is no one now but mother and me."

The man asked, "And where have you been wandering, my little maid?"

"I went to see the Car Festival. I was on my way home. But in the rain and wet I have lost my way."