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Srikanta 'I know that,' said Indra angrily. 'He has left some debts in grog-shops and ganja-shops. But what is that to you? Let me see who dares to ask you for payment! Come with me and let me just see who stands in your way!'

Didi smiled even in her grief. 'You foolish boy,' she said, 'who can stand in my way but my own conscience? Is not my husband's debt my own? How will you keep that creditor of mine, my conscience, at bay? Go home now. I shall pay off my debts after selling what little I have got. Come again to-morrow or the day after.'

Thus far I had not spoken: I now said, 'Didi, I have got four or five rupees more at my home; may I bring them?' Before I had finished speaking she stood up, and, drawing me to her like a little child, she kissed my forehead. 'No, my dear,' she said, 'I do not want them. I have not forgotten those five rupees you left with me the other day: I shall not forget your kindness till my dying day. I bless you, my child,' and tears came pouring down her cheeks.

At about eight o'clock we started homewards, and Didi came with us up to the lane. Holding Indra by the hand she said, 'Indranath, I have given my blessings to Srikanta, but I dare not bless you, for you are beyond the reach of blessings. But my heart has dedicated you, my brother, at the feet of God. May He make you His own.'

She had understood him. Disregarding her protests, Indra knelt down before her and put the dust of her feet on his head. 'Didi,' he said, on the verge of tears, 'I do not like to leave you alone here in the jungle. I feel that I shall never see you again.'