Page:Tales of Bengal (Sita and Santa Chattopadhyay).djvu/55

Rh "Oh," says he and runs out of the room instantly, but steals back, neither knowing when.

"But who has written it?"

Hearing the question, she said at one breath, "It is from my father's house. I'll have to go there."

"And I?" asks he eagerly, with a slight start.

"You'll have to stay here, dear."

"Alone?" he pouts, his face clouded. "You are not coming back, perhaps?"

Who knows whether his voice grew thick as he spoke? Surama thought it did. She thought it choked a little with tears, and instantly her own eyes filled before his. But what would the boy think if he saw? She must speak with a smile on her face.

"Why shouldn't I come back?" she replied. "Of course, I'll come back, dear, very soon." Then she tried to laugh. "You'll have to stay, darling, as you've got your lessons, you know. Could I leave my little brother otherwise?"

Gopal did not like such caressing words. He had grown up, and coaxing made him blush. Forcing a laugh he said with unconcern; "Very well. What do I care? Go away by all means! It won't matter to me. You think I can't get on by myself do you? Well, you leave me the key of the cupboard, ask Pheli to light the stove and wash the dishes, and I'll do the rest, and get on quite well without you. But do leave a rupee behind when you go. I've got to be at the fair at Sashipur. Do you hear? And don't forget about the stove. I can't light it myself."

Thus counting over the pleasures of his future housekeeping he went out. Surama, however, did not quite like his words. She herself wanted him not to cry; otherwise it would be difficult to leave him behind. But still, strange to say, her heart yearned for a little sob, and for Rh