Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/84

72 At noon, Charusila sent for a gharry, and accompanied by her child, drove to the house of Babu Kali Kant, the pleader.

Entering the zenana she found assembled there several other ladies, wives of pleaders residing in the neighbourhood. Some of these ladies were playing cards—and some were watching. They looked at Charusila but uttered not a word of welcome. Kalikant Babu's wife welcomed her, but not so warmly as she had done on previous occasions.

Charusila began talking of ordinary matters in which the hostess only joined. The other ladies kept a studied silence. At last she mentioned the students' case herself.

One of the visiting ladies remarked—"It has been a very sad affair.—We did not expect it."

Kalikant Babu's wife added—"My husband was telling me that very likely the conviction would be set aside on appeal."

Another lady observed—"Unless of course the Sahibs refuse to do justice because it is a Swadeshi case."

"What's the date fixed for the hearing of the appeal, please?"—asked Charusila.

"I am not certain—but it will be heard shortly"—replied Kali Kant Babu's wife.