Page:Tales of Bengal (Sita and Santa Chattopadhyay).djvu/31

Rh Ghatki. Kalidasi presented herself before her inspectors, with her manufactured complexion, her borrowed and made up charms (thanks to Tara-sundari, and her load of ornaments). She stood facing the setting sun that she might have a touch of his departing glory. The mellow light diffused by a candle was all that could expose the deceit. She was no longer Kalidasi but was called Subarnalata (the Golden Creeper), and when she stepped into the room as one moved by machinery and stood stooping shamefacedly to disguise her stature. The deputation which came to examine the bride was much impressed by her splendour and said: "The bride is not bad-looking, but the powdering and dressing-up is excessive."

"But what is to be done?" the ready witted negotiator replied, "That is the fashion of the day. You can but subtract somewhat from her charms to know her true value."

They were at a loss to decide how much to subtract, and to evade the problem for the moment they changed the subject and asked the girl, "What is it you read?"

Though she never went further than the second primer, Kalo readily gave them a catalogue of the books she read, which included everything from the classics downwards.

After that, when they had finished examining her in walking, talking and other essential bridely accomplishments she was declared to have passed, if not with honours, at least tolerably well. Kalidasi was so effectively concealed in Subarnalata that even the trained eyes of the examiners failed to detect the presence of the former. The bridegroom was away, out of Calcutta, with his parents. The photograph, taken by "Boron Shepad Saheb," which was sent to him for approval, was even better than the painted and dressed-up Kalidasi.

Finally by the favourable influence of the stars Rh