Page:The Home and the World.djvu/210

IX 'And as to Sandip's re-entry....'

'Not to-day. I have no time.'

'I see!' said Sandip as his eyes flashed. 'No time to waste, only for special talks!'

Jealousy! Where the strong man shows weakness, there the weaker sex cannot help beating her drums of victory. So I repeated firmly: 'I really have no time.'

Sandip went away looking black. Amulya was greatly perturbed. 'Sister Rani,' he pleaded, 'Sandip Babu is annoyed.'

'He has neither cause nor right to be annoyed,' I said with some vehemence. 'Let me caution you about one thing, Amulya. Say nothing to Sandip Babu about the sale of my jewels,—on your life.'

'No, I will not.'

'Then you had better not delay any more. You must get away by tonight's train.'

Amulya and I left the room together. As we came out on the verandah Sandip was standing there. I could see he was waiting to waylay Amulya. To prevent that I had to engage him. 'What is it you wanted to tell me, Sandip Babu?' I asked.

'I have nothing special to say—mere small talk. And since you have not the time....'

'I can give you just a little.'

By this time Amulya had left. As we entered the room Sandip asked: 'What was that box Amulya carried away?'