Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/225

Rh Sarat Babu said—"Why do you laugh, Nripendra Babu?"

"I was not laughing, he! he! he! Why should I laugh? ha! ha!"

Rajani Babu said—"What is the matter with the name? It is a classical name. In the present day you all select fancy names from the stage plays, Sarasibala, Jyotirmayi, Tarulata, &c, &c."

Bhabatosh shook his head gravely at these words. His former enthusiasm on these points was now much lessened.

There were but nine days left to the wedding. He knows how they passed with him. His comrades also knew something of it. The more Bhabatosh thought of Jagadamba, the more his heart was oppressed. He attended College but took in nothing of the lectures. He had been distinguished in the mess-house for his appetite, but now half his meal was left upon his plate. He joined with none in merry converse; he was always absent-minded. The comrades began to chaff him, saying—"Bhabatosh Babu, you show every sign of having been smitten by the shaft of Cupid."

Lying on his couch at night, Bhabatosh could scarcely sleep,—he could only toss from side to side. When at length sleep came, it was filled with terrible dreams. In one dream he saw Jagadamba