Page:Mashi and Other Stories.djvu/21

Rh

"What's this, child, you’re not going anywhere, are you?"

"Of course, I'm going to Sitarampur."

"What do you mean? Who is going to take you?"

"Anath."

"Not today, my child; some other day."

"But the compartment has already been reserved."

"What does that matter? That loss can easily be borne. Go tomorrow, early in the morning."

"Mashi, I don't hold by your inauspicious days. What harm if I do go today?"

"Jotin wants to have a talk with you."

"All right! there's still some time. I'll just go and see him."

"But you mustn't say that you are going."

"Very well, I won't tell him, but I shan't be able to stay long. Tomorrow is my sister's annaprashan, and I must go today."

"Oh, my child! I beg you to listen to me this once. Quiet your mind for a while and sit by him. Don't let him see your hurry."