Page:Mashi and Other Stories.djvu/32

24 through all my births. I have filled this life with it to carry it with me. In the next birth, I am sure you will be born as my daughter, and I shall tend you with all my love."

"What are you saying, Jotin? Do you mean to say I shall be born again as a woman? Why can't you pray that I should come to your arms as a son?"

"No, no, not a son! You will come to my house in that wonderful beauty which you had when you were young. I can even imagine how I shall dress you."

"Don't talk so much, Jotin, but try to sleep."

"I shall name you 'Lakshmi.'"

"But that is an old-fashioned name, Jotin!"

"Yes, but you are my old-fashioned Mashi. Come to my house again with those beautiful old-fashioned manners."

"I can't wish that I should come and burden your home with the misfortune of a girl-child!"

"Mashi, you think me weak, and are wanting to save me all trouble."

"My child, I am a woman, so I have my weakness. Therefore I have tried all my life to save you from all sorts of trouble,— only to fail."

"Mashi, I have not had time in this life to apply