Page:Mashi and Other Stories.djvu/13

Rh there is no special cause for anxiety, and that even if I go, there will be no"

"You're right there; it will certainly be no great loss if you do go. But remember, if I write to your father, I'll tell him plainly what is in my mind."

"Then you needn't write. I shall ask my husband, and he will surely"

"Look here, child, I've home a good deal from you, but if you do that, I won't stand it for a moment. Your father knows you too well for you to deceive him."

When Mashi had left her, Mani lay down on her bed in a bad temper.

Her neighbour and friend came and asked what was the matter.

"Look here! What a shame it is! Here's my only sister's annaprashan coming, and they don't want to let me go to it!"

"Why! Surely you're never thinking of going, are you, with your husband so ill?"

"I don't do anything for him, and I couldn't if I tried. It's so deadly dull in this house, that I tell you frankly I can't bear it."

"You are a strange woman!"