Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/173

Rh To-day is the 25th—the Great Day! At eight in the morning, Jadu Babu, putting on his ulster and gaiters, took his tall snow staff and presented himself at Kumud Babu's house in Boileauganj. Kumud Babu had not entirely given up his bed.

The two friends sat drinking very hot tea. Jadu Babu asked Kumud if he took much walking exercise.

"Not so very much, but I do walk. Yesterday I went round Jakko."

"When you are stronger I will walk with you. You could not go my pace now, you would lose your breath."

Having finished his first cup of tea, Jadu Babu took a second. Up to this lamps had been burning in the room, but as it had now become light outside, the servant put them out. Jadu Babu finished his second cup, and then prepared to depart.

"Sit down, I beg; what is your hurry?"

"There is some business"

"Some Yoga ceremonies?"

It was well known in Simla that Jadu Babu secretly practised the Yoga ceremonial. With a confused laugh, he replied—"Oh, that is all over."

"Then?"

"To-day I have other business. After the early meal I go to visit the Tara Devi. The ladies have been urging me to do so."