Page:The Slave Girl of Agra.djvu/238

 the afectionate solicitude of Sirish for his only son touched even the stony heart of the old servant. He bowed to his Master and replied:

"My boy has the blood of his fathers in his veins, dear Master, and he shall not be unfaithful to the House of Debipur. We are but humble people, but faithfulness to the House we serve has been our hereditary creed."

"I know that well, Gokul Das, and I know how well thou didst serve my late father-in-law for forty years in all the vicissitudes of his fortune."

"Yes, young Master, we have seen bad days and lived hard lives in our time. But Heaven prospered our endeavours, and my late Master died in peace, Lord of Debipur again."

"It was largely owing to thy endeavours, Gokul Das, that he won the favour of the rulers of the land and was appointed manager of Birnagar and Debipur. It was owing to thy endeavours again that he once more became Zemindar of Debipur before he died."

"Heaven alone can prosper our endeavours. I did my little best, and I shall die a happy man, having seen my old Master restored to his own."

"Long mayst thou live yet, Gokul Das, and long mayst thou minister to the people of Debipur, whose happiness is my care."

"Our crops have been plentiful these many years, Master, and there is peace all over the estate. Our collections have been good, and, after meeting the heavy expenses of the late funeral, the treasure vaults of the House are yet full. The accounts up to date are ready for my Master's inspection." Gokul Das pointed to ledgers and papers neatly piled and arranged on the floor.