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THE WRECK

265

and race. Household duties took up her whole day, and in the evening Nabinkali would discourse on the wealth of ornaments and jewellery, the gold and silver plate, and the rich brocades which fear of thieves had deterred her from bringing to Benares.

"My husband has never been accustomed to eat off brass, and he grumbled no end at first. He would say, 'What does it matter if a few of the things are stolen? We can replace them in no time,' but I could never reconcile myself to such a waste of money. I much prefer putting up with hardships for the time being. At home, you know, we have a huge house and a host of servants, more than I can count, but we can't lug two or three dozen people about with us. My husband suggested renting an extra house near this one, but I said 'no,' I couldn't stand that. It's a good opportunity to have a little peace here. I should have no rest day or night if we had more servants and rooms to look after," and so on ad nauseam.

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