INDIRA AND OTHER STORIES
master?" I rather think that the poor man departed badly wounded.
Ramram Babu had another servant girl of the name of Harani. We were great friends. Why not? After all, we were both companions in service. I called her to me and said, "My dear, if you would win my eternal gratitude, find out for me quickly when that babu means to take his departure." Harani laughed and said, "Fie, didi thakrum. I did not know that you had that little infirmity!" I laughed too. "It is a long lane," I said, "that has no turning, and every dog must have his day! Now spare me your sermonizing and tell me whether you will help me or not. I assure you there is nothing wrong in the affair, as you will know later." She answered, "Well, I will do it for you; but remember, I would not do this for anyone else."
So, alas, ended poor Harani's attempt at moral instruction!
She departed on her errand and it seemed to my impatience that she was a very long time
26
