Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/422

Rh so, his monthly allowance would be raised. Kalikanta agreed to pay them four rupees every month. He at once paid 12 rupees in advance for the first quarter, and promised to make all subsequent payments quarterly in advance. Vidyasagar himself provided for their clothes. But some time afterwards, Kalikanta drove the two away from his house. When Vidyasagar came to know of it, he was moved to tears, and made provisions for their support.

Raja Isvar Chandra Sinha of the Paikpara Raj family breathed his last on the 26th February, 1861. Vidyasagar was present by the death-bed, and was deply grieved at the sad catastrophe. The Raja was a great appreciator of Vidyasagar's merits and works, and always sympathised with, and aided, all his movements.

Vidyasagar was a sincere friend of the poor and the rich alike. He never expected a single pice from any one, but spent his all in succouring the distrest. Even when a wealthy man was in danger and besought his help, he would spend his last pice in relieving the man. If he happened not to have sufficient funds at the time in his own purse, he would obtain money on loans, and rescue him from the danger. On the other hand, if he saw that any of his friends or relations failed in their duties or tried to damage his respect, he would at once sever all ties of friendship and affection, and cut off his connection with them, even if they were