Page:Tales of Bengal (Sita and Santa Chattopadhyay).djvu/103

The Broken Lily As I stepped into the room, I called "Surama."

She started and turned round. Then she ran up to me and cried, "Then tell me yourself since your wife cannot speak. In what respect is she my superior? In beauty, in wealth, or in virtue?"

"Surama, you are mistaken," I said, "she, is not my wife; it is my brother Probodh has married her."

Surama uttered such a shriek that again I started; "She is not yours then?"

Her maid came running out of the kitchen, and she replaced the veil, which had slipped from Surama's head. She said apologetically, "Babu, please don't take offence. The Rani had been in better health these last few days, so I ventured to bring her. I did not expect her to become violent again. She kept on worrying me saying 'Bidhu, take me to see the new bride.' So I thought to humour her as she was quite calm and gentle and see how she has behaved!"

She took hold of Surama by the arm and drew her towards the door. I followed and asked her, "How long has your mistress been in this condition?"

"Oh, for two years or more. Ever since I came she has been like this. The Raja spends a fortune in doctors, but it is all to no purpose."

They passed out and I returned to my room. No, the load of guilt could not be put off, it was still on me. The age when one could make atonement for another's sin was no more. And how could I expiate my sin? Who could show me the way?

Days passed on. Eventually one day I heard loud voices in the red house and saw people running hither and thither in a hurry. Then people began to collect at the main gate. I went in the street and asked, "What is the matter?"

Surama, it was given out, had died of cholera the Rh