152 IN THE VISION OF GOD
station. Both sat on a bench in the yard, a fe\v steps from
the entrance of the house. Two boys were playing in front
of it. The bania made several signs to the boys who neither
recognized nor heeded him. His transformed appearance
was the reason for their non-recognition.
Then he called one of the hoys and whispered into his
ears: "Tell your mother a man wants to see her."
The boy ^ent in. Meanwhile, the bania confided to
Ramdas the secret of Ms mission. He had come to his wife's
sister's house. He wished to reveal himself to her so that
through her he might find a means of reconciliation with
his -wife. It -was evident that he had a quarrel with her
which ended in his departure from his house with a threat
that he would never darken its doorstep again.
The boy returned and unconcernedly commenced his
play with his brother. How could a lady condescend to see
a stranger inside her house ? Again he drew towards the
boy and told him in a low voice:
"Tell your mother that her sister Mami's husband has
come."
The lad gaped with raised eyebrows at the face of the
bania, and a smile lit up his chubby face. He again ran into
the house and soon reappeared beckoning the bania to go
in. With a happy face the bania now hastened to the house.
Kamdas waited. About fifteen minutes—and the Bania
came out. He looked like a whipped dog. His bitter face
told of the unpalatable stuff with which he was served by
his sister-in-law! She must have grven him a big slice of her
mind. The burning lashes of her tongne had charred and
crinkled his face!
" Her tongue cuts-like a razor. Bah! a woman's tongue1"
lie exclaimed knowingly. Then he added: "Maharaj, I ha^e
got it now, I am not fitted for a family life. A sadhu's
life has a charm for me. I -will never retnrn to my home,
there to face another sister! No, never.*" The resolution