Page:The Globe of Gold.djvu/4

128 in this house, who don't know a gentlewoman when they see one." So, greatly pleased, the maid, Bindi, went inside and reported that the Jamai Babu's scruple was admirable, that it would not be suitable for him to eat until his companion had eaten, that the friend should be served first.

The mistress thought, "This is some stranger, so let him be served outside, and the son-in-law in the inner apartments." Rama, seeing preparations for his lunch in the outer apartments, was much incensed, thinking "What a strange proceeding is this."

In the meantime the maid called Kali Kanta to lunch. All was ready within, but Kali Kanta, standing in the courtyard, said, "Why should I go in? Give me a little pulse and treacle in my hand to eat here."

The sister-in-law said, "What a lot of funny ways you have learned."

Distressed, Kali Kanta replied, "Why do you make fun of me? Am I a fit object for your sport?"

An elder lady said, "Why an object of sport to us? Go to her who has the right to jest with you." And taking his hand, stumbling as she went, she pulled him into the room.

Kali Kanta's wife, Kama Sundari, was standing there. Kali Kanta, taking her to be the wife of his master, prostrated himself before her. At this, Kama Sundari's lovely face broke into smiles. "What game is this?" she asked. "What new jest have you learned?"

Troubled by these words, Kali Kanta said, "Oh! why will you speak to me thus? I am your servant, you are my lord."

"You are servant, I am master? not for to-day or tomorrow only—so long as I live that relation shall continue. Now eat your lunch."

Kali Kanta. "If anyone has represented me to you in that light he has lied. Humbly I beg of you, as my preceptress, to let me go."

Jest-loving Kama Sundari thought this was indeed a new sort of game. She said, "Dearer than life, I begin to see that you have learned some fine jokes this time," and taking his two hands, she again pulled him towards the seat.

No sooner had she caught him by the hand than he, thinking all was over with him, shouted out, "Help! help I am done for! she is killing me!"

The frightened family came running at these cries. Kama Sundari, at the sight of her mother, sister, and aunt,