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: youre not getting a paisa from me!!"

And with that, she slammed the door in the beggar`s face.