Page:The Life of Dr. Anandabai Joshee.djvu/192

184 mother, sister, and mother had such an abhorrence of these things, that she must consider them. Properly speaking, we were outcasts, but no one reminded us of it.

"A few days ago the 'Pacification of the Waters' was performed for her. Brahmins were seated at dinner, and her old uncle sent for me that I might sprinkle water on the banana leaves on which the food was served. Did they consider me as an outcast when they asked me to do this? Even the reformers are astonished at the manner in which we have been treated by the most orthodox Hindus. We have conquered every enemy but Death."

The Mahratta papers had warned the physicians not to allow their professional jealousy to interfere with "duty to a patient in whom all India felt a national concern." I copy from the Dnyana Chaksu of March 2nd, 1887, the following account, translated by the Pundita Eamabai:—

"Although Anandabai was so young, her perseverance, undaunted courage, and devotion to her husband were unparalleled. It will be long before we again see a woman like her. The education which she had received had greatly heightened her nature and ennobled her mind. Although she suffered more than words can express, from her mortal disease, which was consumption, not a word of complaint or impatience