54

Two or three days passed for Rajlakshmi in fluctuation --- sometimes better, sometimes worse. Then one morning a great serenity settled upon her face and all pain seemed to diminish. That day she called Mahendra to her and said, "I have not much time left --- but I am dying very happily, Mahin; I have no sorrow. The joy I had when you were a little child, when I held you in my arms --- that same joy fills my heart today. You are my child, my boy, the treasure of my heart --- I am taking all your troubles with me as I go. That is my great happiness." And Rajlakshmi began to run her hands gently over Mahendra's face and body.

Mahendra's weeping broke past all restraint and rose within him.

"Do not cry, Mahin," said Rajlakshmi.

"Lakshmi stays in the house. Give Bouma my keys. I have put everything in order --- you will want for nothing in the running of your home. And one more thing, Mahin: tell no one before I die --- in my box there are notes for two thousand rupees; I have given them to Binodini. She is a widow, alone --- the interest on that will keep her well enough. But Mahin, do not keep her within the household --- this is my last request to you." She called Bihari to her and said, "My boy Bihari, yesterday Mahin was telling me that you have started a garden for the treatment of the poor. May God grant you long life and let you serve the poor. At the time of my marriage my father-in-law gave me a village as my gift --- I give that village to you now; use it for the sake of your poor people. By this my father-in-law will earn merit."