I02
THE WRECK
Again that distasteful form of pleasantry. As though a Hindu wife would address her husband by his name!
The hue of Kamala's cheeks vied with that of the crim- son sunset. "I don't know what you're talking about !" she exclaimed with averted face. "Look here, your supper's ready; you had better eat it at once as you didn't have a good breakfast to-day."
The river breeze had given Ramesh an appetite, though he had not mentioned this to Kamala for fear she might overtax hersdf while her resources were still limited. Nevertheless, the pleasure which he felt when she — without any reminder on his part an- nounced supper was a complex sensation. True, one element in the feeling was the simple anticipation of satisfying physical hunger; but added to it was the exhilarating reflection that some one had taken thought for him and that a beneficent agency had been at work on his behalf. The existence of this factor he could not conceal from himself, and yet he had to face the un- pleasant truth that this solicitude for his comfort was not his due and that, greatly as he valued it, it was based on a delusion. It was with a sigh and a dispirited air that he entered the cabin.
His expression did not escape Kamala's notice. "You don't look as if you wanted your supper," she said in surprise. "I thought you would be hungry. I'm sorry if I dragged you in against your will."
Ramesh at once assumed an air of cheerfulness. "lt wasn't you but my own appetite that dragged me in. If you rattle your keys as loudly as that to attract my attention you'll find a harpy swooping down on the feast next time."
"Hallo, I don't see anything to eat," he went on, looking round, "I'm hungry enough but I don't fancy I could digest this sort of thing," and he pointed to the bedding and cabin furniture, "I wasn't brought up on that kind of fare."
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