human
What dost thou see? she asked, anxiously; for ever since the day on which Tara said the goddess appeared to her, Anunda had been anxious, she hardly knew why: but she dreaded a return of that strange and violent excitement.
gpt
What dost thou see, beloved?
human
How long does he remain, mother?
gpt
He! who, daughter?
human
Radha's brother, replied the girl, as a shiver seemed to pass through her;
gpt
Radha said he would go after the marriage, yet he delays. Why, mother--why does he not go?
human
Nay, and how should I know? replied Anunda.
gpt
What is he to me? All I wanted was Radha, and we have got her; and he may go or come as he pleases. Thy father told me he had business here with the Nimbalkur and others till the Now Râtree was over, and he assists in the recitations. More I know not. Why dost thou ask? What is he to thee, Tara?
human
Nothing, mother; but so long?--will he stay so long?
gpt
Radha told me yesterday he must soon rejoin his people in the west, and leave her; and she was crying about it. Does that content thee, Tara?
human
I would he were gone, mother, said Tara, rising from her low stool, kneeling, and throwing her arms about Anunda as she sat on a similar one, while she hid her face in her dress.
gpt
Cannot he go sooner?--cannot Radha send him away?
human
Why, daughter? why?--Ah! he hath not spoken to thee, child; he dare not! Tell me, she continued, in a more agitated tone, as her daughter clung almost convulsively to her,
gpt
No, no, mother, cried the girl quickly, guessing her mother's thoughts, and looking up innocently;
human
Thou art very beautiful, my child, said her mother, smoothing back the glossy hair and stroking the soft cheek which lay passively in her lap.
gpt
Ah, thou art very beautiful; and I fear such as he! Yes, if it be as thou sayest, it were better, indeed, to live secluded for a while. I will tell thy father, and he will understand it.
human
Yes, he will surely understand, said Tara absently;
gpt
What omen, Tara? I saw nothing, child.
human
A thought came into my mind, mother, she said sadly,
gpt
Thou art not well, Tara, replied her mother, not understanding her, for she had not noticed the occurrence, and, seeing her shiver, thought her feverish.
human
Thou art not well; lie in my arms for a while, and the cold will pass away. O Holy Mother! she cried aloud, as Tara, sobbing convulsively, hid her face in her bosom,
gpt
Would that it were so, said the girl, after a while, and still sobbing.
human
I would go, mother, if she would take me. What use am I in life? It would be bitter to leave the house and all of ye, but I should be with her. Did she not promise this when she touched my hair? Ah, yes; and she will not forget it.
gpt
Hush, child; let this fancy pass from thee. Sleep, now, here. I will sing thee the old song. Nay, thou shalt not leave me! There is room at thy mother's heart, and strength still in her arms, to hold thee safely.