Page:Stories from Tagore (IA storiesfromtagor00tago).pdf/240

226 the servant was master.] Notice the play of words here. The “ servant ” and “ master ” change places.

critical juncture.] At this exact moment when things were so dangerous.

Dada.] The usual Bengal word for “ Brother.”

no love was lost.] This is a mild way of saying that they disliked one another.

on pins and needles.] Exceedingly restless; like some one standing on sharp points.

in perpetuity.] The phrase is a mock legal one, meaning “ for all time.”

by no means pleased.] She was very displeased, because she had already children of her own. In English a phrase is often put in a negative way to imply a very strong positive statement. Thus “ by no means happy ” may mean “ very unhappy.”

committing such an indiscretion.] Doing such an unwise thing.

indecent haste.] A mock humorous expression, meaning “ very quickly.”

craves for recognition.] Wishes to be noticed and loved.

physical love.] Just as a young animal clings to its mother for protection.

animal instinct.] The phrase repeats in another form what was said before, in the words “ a kind of physical love.”

pursed her lips.] Drew her lips tight like the mouth of a purse which is tightened by pulling the string.

as if expecting some one.] He was looking for his mother.

very critical.] Very dangerous. The danger point of the illness might be reached at any moment and death might come.

By the mark.] When a shallow place comes at sea, or on a great river, one of the sailors throws a piece of lead, with a string tied to it, into the water, and then looks at the mark on the string. He calls out that the depth is “ three ” or “ four ” fathoms according to the mark.