Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/206

194 's play "An Old Man's Craze for Marriage" should be bought by subscription and presented to him. One with a turn for verse-making, urged by many, composed some amusing songs on the subject.

One or two of the graver folks came to Sitanath and addressed him, saying—"Mukerji Mahashoi, we hear you intend to marry, but what if they decline to give you the girl? You are somewhat advanced in years, you know, and it is just likely they may not consent."

Sitanath replied—"I knew beforehand that the wayward boy might refuse to marry. But they said if the son refuse, I shall have the ornaments by marrying her myself. The girl is much too grown already and because of their poverty does not get married. So lest they should lose caste, they will not stop to consider if the bridegroom be young or old."

Whatever amusement the village folk might derive from all this, the family on hearing this announcement felt as though a thunderbolt had fallen on their heads. The four sons and their four wives became distracted. Each and all assailed the old man in their various ways.

Sitanath said—"Observe! I have no desire to marry. Do you somehow contrive to bring round Annada and I will solemnise his marriage and bring home the golden bride.