Page:Krishna Kanta's Will.djvu/162

Rh Her mother-in-law was leaving her, her husband was going with his mother, and she felt that he would not return. Clasping Gobind Lâl's feet, she besought him, "Tell me, before you go, after how many days you will return?"

Gobind Lâl replied, "I can't tell when. I have no great desire to come back."

Bhramar unclasped his feet, and, rising, stood thinking. "What need I fear? I can take poison."

At length the day chosen as auspicious for beginning the journey came round. A short distance had to be travelled by palanquin, and the journey continued by train. All was ready. Bearers began to carry heavy chests, trunks, boxes, bags, and bundles. The servants in pure, freshly washed garments, and with hair neatly arranged, were standing in front of the gateway chewing spices. They were to be of the travelling party. The darbâns, tightening the fastenings of their chintz coats and grasping their cudgels, were talking to the bearers. The village women were bending forward to look in. Gobind Lâl's mother, bowing reverently to the family deity and addressing suitable words of