Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/165

124 One day, Vidyasagar said to him,—"You see Braja Nath, whenever there is any necessity for cloth, it is you whom I send to the shawl-merchants." It does not look well that one man should trouble himself on all occasions with this affair. If you will once show me theshop to-morrow, I may occasionally call at the place and make purchases by myself. Please, come to-morrow, and I will accompany you to the shop." The next day, Braja Nath Babu made his appearance at the proper time, and both started together for Barabazar, the chief place of native traders, especially cloth-merchants. But Braja Nath Babu was ill at ease to keep pace with Vidyasagar. The latter was always in much advance of the former. Vidyasagar had every now and then to stop on the way to let his follower come up to him. When they were again together for the fourth time, he said to Braja Nath Babu,—'I have acquired a habit of walking rather a little too fast. My followers, as a rule, cannot keep pace with me. Never mind, Braja Nath, let us do one thing. This time you walk foremost, and I will follow you.' Braja Nath Babu now felt himself at ease. On the way Vidyasagar warned his friend not to let the merchant know his (Vidyasagar's) personality. But it was of no avail. As soon as Vidyasagar entered the shop, followed by his friend, the merchant rose from his seat, and received him respectfully, saying,—'Welcome venerable Panditji good