Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/136

124 "Yes, I could stay over easily—but wouldn't it annoy your husband?"

"Oh, nonsense,"—said Maloti, although she knew that the apprehension was only too well founded. "Well, I will risk it"—said she to herself.—"It surely cannot be very wrong to have this lady with us for a few days longer. Here I am, going through the household drudgery day after day all alone,—couldn't I allow myself a little relaxation by way of having a friend to talk to?—I certainly could—and I will." Then she began to rehearse in her mind as to what she would say to her husband in the evening when he should express his displeasure. She would give it pretty hot to him,—indeed she would.

It struck three, but the porter never turned up. The train came and went, they could hear the distant rumbling. Oh, it was such a relief! Maloti began to chatter away in the most lively strain.

Towards evening, Maloti was sending her maid to the bazaar to buy refreshments for her husband. The Benares lady said—"Why do you use these bazaar things? If I were you, I would prepare them at home myself."

"Who is going to take all that trouble"—laughed Maloti.

"It is no trouble at all. Let me show you to-day how to do it."