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THE WRECK 215

Hemnalini's expression clearly showed the indigna- tion that she felt. She was about to speak when Na- linaksha turned to her.

"There is nothing to be ashamed of ! If you hap- pened to be taking the air on the roof at the time of my morning or evening worship you did nothing wrong. You needn't be ashamed of possessing a pair of eyes ; that's a crime of which we are all guilty!"

Annada. What's more, Hem never told me that she disapproved of your daily worship. She simply, and in all reverence, questioned me about your devo- tional practices."

Jogendra. "Well the fact is I don't understand your point of view. I find no discomfort in the ordinary course of human life and conduct and I can't see the advantage of carrying on strange practices in secret. That sort of thing tends to upset the mind's balance and make a man one-sided. You mustn't take offence because I say so. I'm a very commonplace person. I occupy one of the lowest seats in the world's theatre and have no means of reaching those who sit in the high places except by throwing bricks at them. There are innumerable people like myself, so if you leave them behind and climb into an unreal world of your own you become the target of innumerable bricks."

Nalinakslia. "Well, there are bricks and bricks. Some only graze, others leave a mark. Call a man mad or childish and no harm is done, but call him a, religious maniac, accuse him of setting himself up as a prophet and trying to gather disciples round him, and all the laughter in the world is insufficient to laugh the charge out of court!"

Jogendra. "l must beg you again not to take offence, Nalin Babu. Do what you please on your own roof, I have no right to object. My only comment is that so long as one keeps oneself within the limits of conven- tion no occasion for remark arises. Personally, I'm