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.<>
