Page:Tales of Bengal (Sita and Santa Chattopadhyay).djvu/105



"What is it, Ranu?"

"Don't you know that to-day is Sushi's birthday? So they are going to hold a fancy-dress party at their place. I intend to go dressed as the goddess Lakshmi. But I have not got a red sari. So mother has sent me to you. She said that you had got lots of beautiful saris of Benares silk."

"My dear, we are old-fashioned people. Our things would not be to your taste. You are very modern and have taken to going to the Mem-Sahib's school."

"There now, Rangadi, how you talk, to be sure! What if you are old-fashioned? Pray, is not Lakshmi even more old-fashioned than yourself? Now, please, do open your trunk and let me see what you have got."

I had to sit up at the urgency of my little grand-daughter's manner. I unlocked my trunk and took out nearly twenty or twenty-five saris. Waves of red, blue, green and pink rolled along the floor of my room, with glittering golden and silver flowers and leaves, but none found favour with the critical little girl. As soon as I took out one she turned up her nose and exclaimed: "This won't do, Rangadidi! Lakshmi won't look right in that."

I gave it up in despair and said, "Then, darling, I am afraid I shall not be able to suit you. You must try elsewhere."

My little darling stood there with a sulky expression on her pretty face and showed not the faintest sign of moving. Suddenly she exclaimed, "But, Rangadi, what do you keep in that box of white stone, there by the side of H