Page:Stories from Tagore (IA storiesfromtagor00tago).pdf/250

236 is allowed the liberty of making jokes with his grandfather.

he found it easy.] He loved his mother so much that when he found anyone pleased with things which she had made he enjoyed seeing them use these things rather than himself.

the days before the flood.] The word “ antediluvian ” meaning “ before the flood,” is used sometimes in English for things very ancient and out of date. There is a play upon this here.

dazzling outburst.] Just as, at a firework display, pitch darkness follows the last firework.

drawing his heavy cheques.] To “ draw a cheque ” is to take so much from a credit account in the bank. The words are humorously used here of taking something from the public belief about the greatness of the Babus of Nayanjore.

and er-er.] He hesitates a little as he mentions the ladies.

Thakur Dada.] Grandfather.

my moral character was flawless.] Note how the author shows the conceit of this young man. Compare, lower down, the phrase “ because I was so good.”

poet Bhabavuti.] The poet means that there must be some one in this vast universe of time and space who is the match for the hero of his poem.

Chota Lât Sahib.] The story refers to the time when Calcutta was the Capital of India. The Burra Lât Sahib was the Viceroy, the Chota Lât Sahib was the Lieutenant-Governor.

walking backward.] As a mark of respect. He was continually bowing and then stepping back. This kind of ceremonial bowing was commoner in earlier days than it is now.

tall silk hat.] These were only worn in India at State