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Kipling, Rudyard, 1865-1936

"From Mine Own People"

(With an inspiration.) Memsahib understanding all I saying.
Capt. G. Make her understand me then--quick!
Ayah. (Hand on Mrs. G.'s fore-head.) Memsahib! Captain Sahib here.
VOICE. Salaem do. (Fretfully.) I know I'm not fit to be seen.
Ayah. (Aside to G.) Say "marneen" same as breakfash.
Capt. G. Good morning, little woman. How are we today?
VOICE. That's Phil. Poor old Phil. (Viciously.) Phil, you fool, I can't see
you. Come nearer.
Capt. G. Minnie! Minnie! It's me--you know me?
VOICE. (Mockingly.) Of course I do. Who does not know the man who was so cruel
to his wife--almost the only one he ever had?
Capt. G. Yes, dear. Yes--of course, of course. But won't you speak to him? He
wants to speak to you so much.
VOICE. They'd never let him in. The Doctor would give darwaza band even if he
were in the house. He'll never come. (Despairingly.) O Judas! Judas! Judas!
Capt. G. (Putting out his arms.) They have let him in, and he always was in the
house Oh, my love--don't you know me?
VOICE. (In a half chant.) "And it came to pass at the eleventh hour that this
poor soul repented." It knocked at the gates, but they were shut--tight as a
plaster--a great, burning plaster. They had pasted our marriage certificate all
across the door, and it was made of red-hot iron--people really ought to be
more careful, you know.


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