ghee-pot, a bare moiety of which had just formed her demands. The flitting figures with the lit lamps disappeared in tumultuous flight, little caring that the tinkling of the ornaments in their feet betrayed the very presence they endeavoured to conceal. The combat of the sturdy little warriors who fought in nudity and darkness for victory suddenly terminated in flight on both sides, though the abler general of the two did not fail to fire a retiring shot in the shape of a hearty kick at the shins of his antagonist. The little girls too, who had been so merrily playing, rose and followed the said general accompanying him with an ill-suppressed tittle of hilarity. The scene which had just exhibited an unparalleled confusion was suddenly changed into one of utter silence and solitude, and the grave housewife was the only being who stood unmoved and unchanged before the master of the house.
"Masi," said Madhav, addressing the matron, "how is this? My house is a very bazar."
"Women, son, women," replied the Masi with a benevolent and affectionate smile, "it is woman's nature to be screaming."
"Where is Khuri now, Masi?"
"That is what I was thinking of" was the reply, "she has not been seen in the house since morning."
"Not seen in the house since morning!" exclaimed Madhav in amazement, "the thing is true then?"
"What is true, son?" replied the maternal aunt.
