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 by our faith for those whose task in life is done."

"But we are young and inexperienced, mother," still pressed the disconsolate Hemlata, "and we shall need thy guiding hand and mature wisdom. Wilt thou not be near us to help and advise in the affairs of our Debipur estate which thou knowest so well? Wilt thou not see Noren, whom thou hast brought up as thy own son, restored to the House of Birnagar, which is thy father's house too? And if the Merciful Bhagavan gives us children, will they not learn to lisp thy loving name and share thy loving kisses?" Hemlata burst into tears.

"Tempt me no more, child," replied the mother, wiping away her own tears. "Debipur and Birnagar are dreams to me, the world is an illusion. It is ordained by the Most High that in this illusion we must live and suffer and struggle till our training is complete and our eyes are opened to the Reality, which is God. Long have the affairs of this earth engaged the sleeper, long have they exercised my dreams. The Holy Foot of Krishna is the only reality for me now, and this sacred shrine shall be my home till it pleases Him to liberate me from my earthly bonds. His will be done."

Thus spoke Hemlata's mother; thus speak millions of Hindu women in India, for to them the world is an illusion, religion is a reality.