Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/205

Rh Such a one became a Sannyasi for the death of his wife and leaving home wandered in the forests and jungles and on mountain heights with his blanket and lota on his shoulder, yet ere a year elapsed he returned home and married a second time. Another after losing his wife produced a volume of poetry which was highly eulogised by all the great men of his time from Bankim Babu downwards,—but he married not only once more but even a third time. In this battle Annada was at length obliged to own himself defeated—but he did not consent to marry.

Meanwhile the time was running close. Bhudhar Chatterji had granted ten days only. The 20th Sawan would be the last day. Three days were gone, only a week remained.

As the son still refused, the father announced that he would himself marry the girl. "I cannot give up Rs. 2,000 worth of jewels, whatever may befall me in consequence"—said he.

This news getting abroad in the village produced a burst of ridicule. People said that the loss of the jewels and the upsetting of the boat was all fiction, that the sight of a beautiful young girl had turned the old man's head and upset his reason. One said—"Who would have expected this from the old man! His looks are quite deceptive." Another suggested that a copy of