Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/134

122 "Of course there is—but you don't want to kill yourself by going out in the raw cold night, do you? If you did—we simply wouldn't let you"—and he burst into a melodious laughter.

Girindra Nath wrapped himself up in a warm shawl and helping himself to a pan, went out to visit friends.

It was late when he came back. Everybody else had gone to bed—only Maloti was sitting up. As soon as she opened the door for her husband, he kissed her on both cheeks. His breath was smelling of liquor—but Maloti had got accustomed to it.

"So late!"—exclaimed the wife.

"There is good news."

"What's it?"

"I have been transferred to Tari Ghat."

"Any increase in pay?"

Girindra Nath mentioned the amount. It was a very good lift. Maloti's face flushed with joy.

They now reached the bed-room. Girindra said that they would have to leave for the new station in three or four days time.

The next morning, before leaving for office, he noticed the lady from Benares. Aside he said to his wife—"Didn't the woman go last night?"

"Goodness—Didn't you yourself tell her to stop till to-day? She was only too anxious to leave."