the machinery had gone wrong. I went to her and said, "Molly, if you don't stop crying, you will never get that letter, neither to-morrow, nor the day after."
Molly sat up and brushing away her tears with her small fists, took hold of my hand and came out for a walk. Raju felt immensely proud of his uncle's tactics and he was relieved, too, at the conclusion of Molly's heroic performance. So he took out two guavas from his coat pocket and generously presented one to each of us.
As we neared Molly's home, she cried out "There is sister, sitting in the garden." She broke away from me and began to run. I looked towards the garden and caught sight of something like a bundle of shawls and clothes, behind a clump of trees. I went nearer, with the intention of having a good look at Nirjharinee, myself unseen. As I was compelled to play a part in this drama of love and faithlessness, I had a right to know the other actors by sight.
When I had come close enough, I saw that there was very little to see except the bundle of shawls. Of her face two large eyes alone could be seen and her arms were so thin that one of mine would have made four of hers. So this was the heroine of Animesh's dreams.
Molly was leaning against her chair and chattering on for all she was worth. "Didi, your letter will come, it will come to-morrow. The postman will bring it in his bag. a very large one."
Nirjharinee was looking fixedly at her. After a time she asked. "How did you know, baby?"
Molly tossed her curly head and said, "Because I do know. I shall bring your letter to-morrow. Please Didi, don't die."
Nirjharinee remained silent, only a few drops of tears rolled down her emaciated face. Whence came these
