Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/175

Rh "It does not do to go about alone in a strange country. They know all about it, and can explain everything to us."

Giribala answered gently—"I know about everything in this place."

It was then nearly ten o'clock. They got through with the bathing and breakfast. They gave the boy his milk, touched up his eyelids with black, and dressed him.

At half-past eleven Jadu Babu and his people arrived at the gate. At the moment of starting Giribala's left eyelid did not quiver, there was no sign of coming misfortune to disturb her, nevertheless she remained depressed. Now, when this pilgrimage to Tara Devi recurs to her mind, her whole frame shudders.

When they reached the boundary of Simla, Kumud Babu alighted from his rickshaw and walked with Jadu Babu. This excited in the ladies a desire to walk. They too alighted and went some little way, then became fatigued and returned to their rickshaws. Upon which Jadu Babu reflected, laughingly—"Women have no strength; they like to pretend to do everything. Is it likely they can ascend hills?"

Giribala chatted joyously with her companions; there was no longer any sadness in her thoughts. At two o'clock the rickshaws had