Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/467

424 scription some months since. It has now become very difficult to clear the debts. However, I am trying my best to repay them. If I find no other means, I shall dispose of my every thing, and clear the debts; there is no doubt about that. But I am deeply sorry that I am unable to return your property at a time when you yourself are in great want. Had I been able to foresee that the people of our country are so mean and worthless, I would never have gone to give widows in marriage. I would have stopped with the passing of the Widow Marriage Act.'

In fact, Vidyasagar was, at this time, too cumbrously embarrassed. He saw no way of deliverance. He had some friends among the higher European officials of Government, of whom Sir Cecil Beadon, the then Lieutenant Governor of Bengal, was his best friend. Beadon clearly saw his difficulties, and one day asked him if he was disposed to re-enter the Public Service. Vidyasagar replied that if he could help, he was not willing to put on again the shackles of thraldom, but that he would think the matter over, and let him know his mind. About a year after this conversation, when he saw that it was almost impossible for him to manage without a fresh source of income, he addressed a letter to his friend, Beadon, on the subject. The letter ran as follows:—

"The Hon'ble Cecil Beadon.

"My Dear Sir,

"A change in circumstances compels me to