Page:Tales of Bengal (Sita and Santa Chattopadhyay).djvu/101

Rh suffered for you. You lifted the load of guilt from my weary heart.

As soon as the ceremony was over, Probodh started for home with the bride, for he did not want mother to hear of it from any one else. I too followed.

Mother opened the door, then stood amazed and dumb. She understood at once what had happened, and her face hardened. Probodh hung his head and the poor bride was ready to sink down to the earth in her dismay and nervousness.

But how long could this go on? I felt I should suffocate. "Mother," I cried, "for my sake forgive them. If you don't, the curse which clings to my wretched life will never be removed. Your younger son has atoned today for the sin of your eldest and has brought him consolation. Should that make you grieve?"

Mother's eyes filled with tears, and Probodh now came and prostrated himself before her with his wife. The children of the house had hitherto stood dismayed and silent at the sight of their elders' attitude. Now, seeing the sky clear, they came running forward with joyous shouts of welcome to the bride. Next day the whole female population of the neighbourhood flocked to our house to see her. Their visits continued from morning to night. I was a loss what to do, the house was very small, and, in order to show sufficient respect for the purdah of the lady visitors, I had to spend the greater part of the day in the street.

But it was rather difficult to loaf about the crowded streets hour after hour, and as it was already dark, I thought that I could safely return home. Who would be coming to see the bride at such a time? It was not until I had set foot inside the street-door that I saw my mistake. Rh