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II You cannot expect of society that while some of its renegade members are trying to overturn it, by insisting on doing just as they please, it should calmly look on, making sweetly reasonable allowance. Society is naturally bound to misunderstand such people and regard as crooked that which they might be doing quite sincerely. If society cannot help looking upon their 'good' as evil, that is but one of the many penalties which must fall on those who wilfully flout it."

"It may be natural," said Binoy, "but I cannot agree that all that is natural is good."

"Oh, bother the good! "broke out Gora. " The world is welcome to the few really good people it may contain. For me, let the rest be but natural! Otherwise work would not get on, nor would life be worth living. If people want to pose sanctimoniously as Brahmos. To have your opponents' applause while you strut about like a peacock, is too much to ask of this world,—if that did happen, the world would be a mighty poor place."

"I have no objection to any sect or party being reviled," explained Binoy. "But when the abuse become personal——"

"What is the point in reviling the sect ? That only amounts to criticising their opinions. I want to show up individuals. As for you, O saint, have you never indulged in personalities yourself ?"

"Indeed I have," avowed Binoy. "Very often, I am afraid. ANd I am heartily ashamed of it too."

"No, Binoy!" exclaimed Gora with a sudden excitement. "This will not do. Never!"

Binoy was silent for a moment. "Why, what is the matter ?" he asked at length. "What alarms you ?"

"I see clearly enough that you are treading the path of weakness."

"Weakness indeed!" Binoy exclaimed irritably. "You know well enough that I could go to their house this very moment if I wanted to—they have even invited me—and yet you see I do not go."

"Yes, I know. But you never seem able to forget that you are keeping away. Day and night you are harping on it to yourself: 'I do not go. I do not go!' Better far to go and be done with it !"