Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/33

Rh empty. But this had been a sore trial to the amlas. They were poorly paid and managed to make both ends meet somehow. They possessed only one suit of cutcherry dress each,—hardly fit to be seen at a durbar in. Some of them had to borrow the suit they were wearing now. Those who had no such opportunity, have appeared in their everyday cutcherry costume—much the worse for constant wear. They could not help it, poor fellows. They ran the risk of losing their berths if they did not come. Besides Government servants, non-official gentlemen, either Hindus or Mohamedans, were very few in number. There were about fifteen Mohamedans present, representing the Anjumania Islamia.

In due time, His Honour entered the pandal. He looked venerable in his grey hairs. His face was lit up with a genial smile. All present stood up. The Collector then called upon the Anjumania Islamia to read their address of welcome. This done, the document was enclosed in a silver casket and presented to His Honour. The Mohamedans had printed Mr. Fuller's name as Sir Bamfylde Fuller, thus happily anticipating the honour conferred on him by Government some months later. Mr. Fuller stood up and delivered a speech in English and then another in Hindustani. Then came the ceremony of introductions.