Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/195

Rh one?' You talk of the child's marriage, but how do we know what is our destiny? Will this child live? From what I saw in her face just now, I did not think there was much hope of it."

Hrishi Kesh was a shrewd man of business. He caught up the other's words saying—"Very well, let the jewels remain and do you take them when you fetch the child."

At these words Sitanath became furious. "Ho, brother! Do you distrust me? Will it be for your good to vex a Brahman by making him return without the jewels?"

Hrishi Kesh had known the character of his daughter's father-in-law before now and recognised that he was not to be turned from his purpose. So feeling it useless to raise further difficulties he said—"Then take them."

Sitanath's face became joyous. He said—"After the midday meal I will go home. I am now going to bathe in the Ganges. Do you get the jewels ready for me by the time I come back."

His bath finished, Sitanath with great ostentation seated himself on the ghat to perform his devotions. To-day the gods had shown him great favour, so his devotions were zealous and prolonged. Returning to the house, he quickly finished his meal. He could not endure longer