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INDIRA AND OTHER STORIES

where he is, and give this letter into his own hands."

I begged my mother not to let anyone know that I had returned. "I have been so long away from home," I said. "If he should be unwilling to receive me back, he may refuse to come. Bring him here on some other pretext. If only you can get him here, trust me to allay his suspicions."

My mother communicated my wishes to my father, who agreed to follow my advice. In his letter he wrote, "I am about to make a will. You are my son-in-law; you are dear to me, and my well-wisher. I want to consult you as to the disposition of my property. Please come here as soon as possible after receipt of this letter."

My husband came immediately, and my father at once told him the whole truth. For a while, my husband remained absorbed in thought. Then he said, "I have the highest regard for you, Sir. Though you have brought me here on a false pretext, I am glad to have had the privilege of seeing you. But your daughter

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