One day a beggar knocked at the door of a house, and when a woman opened the door, asked her for alms.
“I’ve nothing to give you,” said the woman.
“Please go!
”
The woman, who was newly married, lived with her mother-in-law.
When her mother-in-law heard her refusing alms to the beggar she was furious.
“Who are you to refuse alms to this man!
” she demanded.
“I’m the mistress of the house!
!
”
Thus chastened, the daughter-in-law fled to her room.
“Thank you, kind lady,” said the beggar, ingratiatingly.
“All I asked for was a coin to buy food.
I did not know she was not the mistress of the house.”
“She’s not!
” snapped the woman.
“She had no right to refuse you alms.
I’m in charge here, and let me tell you something:
you’re not getting a paisa from me!
!
”
And with that, she slammed the door in the beggar’s face.
