Page:The Story of the Gadsbys - Kipling (1888).djvu/80

 (Bending over bed.) Don't you know me, Minnie? It's me—it's Phil—it's your husband.

(mechanically).—It's me—it's Phil—it's your husband.

—She doesn't know me! It's your own husband, darling.

—Your own husband, darling.

(with an inspiration). Memsahib understanding all I saying.

—Make her understand me then—quick!

(hand on Mrs. G.'s forehead}.—Memsahib! Captain Sahib have sent Salaam—wanting see you.

. Salam do. (Fretfully.) I know I'm not fit to be seen.

(aside to G.).—Say "marneen" same as at breakfast.

—Good morning, little woman. How are we to-day?

.—That's Phil. Poor old Phil. (Viciously.) Phil, you fool, I can't see you. Come nearer.

—Minnie! Minnie! It's me—you know me?

(mockingly).—Of course I do. Who does not know the man who was so cruel to his wife—almost the only one he ever had?

—Yes, dear. Yes—of course, of course. But won't you speak to him? He wants to speak to you so much.

.—They'd never let him in. The Doctor would stop him even if he were in the house. He'll never come. (Despairingly.) Oh Judas! Judas! Judas!

(putting out his arms).—They have let him in, and he always was in the house. Oh my love—don't you know me?

(in a half chant).—"And it came to pass at the eleventh hour that this poor soul repented." It knocked at the gates, but they were shut—tight as a plaster—a great,