The undivine son40

In Bombay I went to buy more handkerchiefs. While in the store, I told the shopkeeper about the man who tempted me with extra handkerchiefs in Calcutta.

The Bombay shopkeeper used undivine words about the fellow in that story. Then he asked me where I came from. I said, “I am from Bengal, but I live in America.”

He said, “My son lives in Manhattan.”

I said, “Tell me your son’s name. In Manhattan many people know me.”

He said, “My son is not leading a good life, so I do not want to give you his name.”

I said, “You can tell him about me.”

He said, “You seem to be a very nice man. I don’t want to tell you his name, and I don’t want to tell him your name.”

Then I bought the handkerchiefs from him. The price was cheaper than what I had paid the man in Calcutta who gave me only one extra.


LS 131. 2 March 1986