Page:Chandra Shekhar.djvu/207

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Chandra Shekhar

Shaibalini held out her hand, as enjoined, and a piece of cloth was placed on her palm. She changed her Saree, and asked,

"What else am I to do?"

Answer. Where is your father-in-law's house?

Shaibalini. It is at Bedagram. Shall I have to go there?

Answer. Yes, go there and raise a hut for your habitation at the outskirt of the village.

Shaibalini. What else?

Answer. Don't use any bed—you must lie on the bare ground.

Shaibalini. Anything more?

Answer. You shall live upon fruits and herbs only. Don't take more than one meal a day.

Shaibalini. Then?

Answer. Neglect your hair so that they may grow matted like those of an ascetic.

Shaibalini. Is this all?

Answer. No, one thing more. You shall enter into the village, only once a day, for alms, and recount your sinful story, as you beg from door to door.

Shaibalini. Oh! my story is not to be told to any one. Is there no other form of penance?

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