Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/41

Rh  to their real sentiments for fear of being molested by the budmashes." They praised Subodh Babu's courage of conviction. On the other hand things were pretty hot for poor Subodh at Dinajshahi. The pleaders in the Bar Library hourly passed the most offensive remarks in his hearing. During his absence one member enquired of Jagat Babu—"I say, what is your friend's motive in behaving like this? Does he want to become a Deputy Magistrate, or a Police Inspector, or what?"

Jagat Babu replied with evident annoyance—"Don't ask me, for I am as much puzzled as you are."

"But he is such a friend of yours;—you ought to know."

"Friend indeed! I refuse to recognise a man of such a disgraceful character as friend."

"Have you had no talk with him? what ever is the matter with him? Has he gone mad?"

"I have not been on speaking terms with him since that day"—replied Jagat, with much dignity.

 

A week after the departure of the Lieutenant Governor, came the wedding day of a daughter of Kishori Mohan Babu, a leading member of the local bar. This gentleman was advanced in years and of a very kindly disposition. When 