Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/123

Rh that everybody is as money-grabbing as the Police? I wouldn't come for a lakh of rupees even. Take yourself off, Sir, at once."

The writer-constable then gathered up the money and departed.

The clock struck nine. The Doctor's wife said to her husband—"Will you drink a little milk? Shall I boil some for you?"

"Yes, thanks,—if you don't mind,"—said the Doctor.

The lady went into the kitchen and lighted a fire. When the milk had nearly boiled, the rumbling of a carriage was heard stopping at the back door. The next moment a young lady, accompanied by her maid, entered.

"Who are you, madam?"—asked the Doctor's wife.

"She is Daroga Badan Babu's wife, madam"—replied the maid-servant.

"I am the person you are looking for,"—the Doctor's wife said. The young lady came inside the kitchen and stooping down, caught hold of the feet of her hostess.

The Doctor's wife was greatly embarassed [sic]. "What is all this?"—she demanded in an astonished voice.

"Madam, my husband is dying."

"Is he so very ill, then?"