Mashi kept silent. She realised that the heaven she had been building for Jotin out of falsehood had toppled down at last. If sorrow comes, it is best to acknowledge it.--When God strikes, we cannot avoid the blow.
'Mashi, the love I have got from you will last through all my births. I have filled this life with it to carry it with me. In the next birth, I am sure you will be born as my daughter, and I shall tend you with all my love.'
'What are you saying, Jotin? Do you mean to say I shall be born again as a woman? Why can't you pray that I should come to your arms as a son?'
'No, no, not a son! You will come to my house in that wonderful beauty which you had when you were young. I can even imagine how I shall dress you.'
'Don't talk so much, Jotin, but try to sleep.'
'But that is an old-fashioned name, Jotin!'
'Yes, but you are my old-fashioned Mashi. Come to my house again with those beautiful old-fashioned manners.'
'I can't wish that I should come and burden your home with the misfortune of a girl-child!'
'Mashi, you think me weak, and are wanting to save me all trouble.'
'My child, I am a woman, so I have my weakness. Therefore I have tried all my life to save you from all sorts of trouble,--only to fail.'
'Mashi, I have not had time in this life to apply the lessons I have learnt. But they will keep for my next birth. I shall show then what a man is able to do. I have learnt how false it is always to be looking after oneself.'
'Whatever you may say, darling, you have never grasped anything for yourself, but given everything to others.'
'Mashi, I can boast of one thing at any rate. I have never been a tyrant in my happiness, or tried to enforce my claims by violence. Because lies could not content me, I have had to wait long. Perhaps truth will be kind to me at last.--Who is that, Mashi, who is that?'
'Mashi, just go and see in the other room. I thought I----'
'But it seemed quite clear to me that----'
'No, Jotin, it's nothing. So keep quiet! The doctor is coming now.'
'Look here, you mustn't stay near the patient so much, you excite him. You go to bed, and my assistant will remain with him.'
'All right, Baba! I will sit quietly in that corner.'
'No, no! you must sit by my side. I can't let go your hand, not till the very end. I have been made by your hand, and only from your hand shall God take me.'