Page:Mashi and Other Stories.djvu/33

Rh the lessons I have learnt. But they will keep for my next birth. I shall show then what a man is able to do. I have learnt how false it is always to be looking after oneself."

"Whatever you may say, darling, you have never grasped anything for yourself, but given everything to others."

"Mashi, I can boast of one thing at any rate. I have never been a tyrant in my happiness, or tried to enforce my claims by violence. Because lies could not content me, I have had to wait long. Perhaps truth will be kind to me at last.—Who is that, Mashi; who is that?"

"Where? There's no one there, Jotin!"

"Mashi, just go and see in the other room. I thought I"

"No, dear! I don't see anybody."

"But it seemed quite clear to me that"

"No, Jotin, it's nothing. So keep quiet! The doctor is coming now."

When the doctor entered, he said:

"Look here, you mustn't stay near the patient so much; you excite him. You go to bed, and my assistant will remain with him."

"No, Mashi, I can't let you go."