human
The Sahib will marry the young Memsahib who is at the city of the Peshwa?
gpt
Why do you ask that, Gulab?
human
Because it was said. And the Missie Baba's heart will be full of the Sahib, for he is like a god.
gpt
Is the Gulab jealous of the Missie Baba?
human
No, Sahib, because--because one is not jealous of a princess; because that is to question the ways of the gods. If I had been an Englay and he loved me, and the Missie Baba claimed him, Bootea would kill her.
gpt
And now, Gulab, he persisted,
human
No, Sahib, because it is Bootea's fault. It can't be. It is permitted to Bootea to love the Sahib, but at the shrine Omkar will take that sin and all the other sins away when she makes sacrifice--
gpt
What sacrifice, Gulab?
human
Such as we make to the gods, Sahib.
gpt
Gulab, what is it? Don't go to the Shrine of Omkar. Come with me to your people at Chunda, and if you do not want to remain with them I will have it arranged, through the Resident, that the British will reward you with protection. You have done the British Raj a great service.
human
No, Sahib. The girl drew herself erect, so that her eyes gazed into Barlow's, They were luminous with an intensity of resolve.
gpt
Let Bootea speak what is in her heart, and be not offended; it is necessary. There is, at the end of the journey the place that is called _jahannam_ (hell) for Bootea. The Nana Sahib waits like a tiger crouched by a pool at night for the coming of a stag to drink.
human
The Resident will protect you against the Mahratta,
gpt
Bootea could do that,
human
What then do you fear, Gulab?
gpt
The Sahib.
human
Yes, Khudawand. To see you and not be permitted to hear your voice, nor feel your hand upon my face, would be worse than sacrifice. Bootea would rather die, slip off into death with the goodness, the sweetness of to-night upon her soul. There, where the Sahib would be, Bootea's heart would be full of evil, the evil of craving for him. No, this is the end, and Bootea will make offering of thanks--marigolds and a cocoanut to Omkar, and sprinkle attar upon his shrine in thankfulness for the joy of the Sahib's presence. It is said!