Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/148

136 After a short pause she said—"Maloti, my child, would you like to please me?"

"Yes, if I could"—replied Maloti eagerly.

"I have got a few articles of jewellery here. Wear them for my sake"—she said, as she unlocked her box and pulled out a jewel-case of exquisite workmanship. See then pressed a spring and the lid flew open.

Maloti was amazed to see its contents. Gold and silver, set with rubies, diamonds and other precious stones almost blinded her vision with their dazzle.

"I present these to you"—said the Benares lady affectionately.

Maloti was tongue-tied for a few seconds. Then she found words to say—"You will excuse me, I can't accept these."

"Why not?"—said her friend complainingly.

"Why should I take these from you?—They are worth a small fortune."

"Well—they are my gift to you."

"May be—but what right have I to take them? I mustn't indeed."

Clouds deepened in the sky. There were signs of a coming storm. Daylight was all but gone.

In slow, deliberate accents, the Benares lady said—"Suppose you have such a right."