I know, I know, that all Power on earth waxes great under compact with Satan. But the Mother is there, alone though she be, to contemn and stand against this devil's progress. The Mother cares not for mere success, however great,—she wants to give life, to save life. My very soul, to-day, stretches out its hands in yearning to save this child.
A while ago I suggested robbery to him. Whatever I may now say against it will be put down to a woman's weakness. They only love our weakness when it drags the world in its toils!
'You need do nothing at all, Amulya, I will see to the money,' I told him finally.
When he had almost reached the door, I called him back. 'Amulya,' said I, 'I am your elder sister. To-day is not the Brothers' Day[1] according to the calendar, but all the days in the year are really Brothers' Days. My blessing be with you: may God keep you always.'
These unexpected words from my lips took Amulya by surprise. He stood stock-still for a time.
- ↑ The daughter of the house occupies a place of specially tender affection in a Bengali household (perhaps in Hindu households all over India) because, by dictate of custom, she must be given away in marriage so early. She thus takes corresponding memories with her to her husband's home, where she has to begin as a stranger before she can get into her place. The resulting feeling, of the mistress of her new home for the one she has left, has taken ceremonial form as the Brothers' Day, on which the brothers are invited to the married sisters' houses. Where the sister is the elder, she offers her blessing and receives the brother's reverence, and vice versa. Presents, called the offerings of reverence (or blessing), are exchanged.—Tr.
