Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/85

Rh "The boys ought to have an able Counsel down from Calcutta"—put in Charusila.

Kali Kant Babu's wife mused a little and then said—"Yes, but that means a lot of money, you know. I don't think the boys can afford it. Our husbands will do it for them as well as they can."

Charusila, with her head bent low, said—"I am willing to pay for a Counsel."

This proposal came as a surprise to those present. One of the ladies said—"You? why should you?"

Charusila continued—"You and your husbands are doing so much for the poor boys at the sacrifice of time and money. Am I not entitled to lend them a helping hand also? Here, I have brought with me a pair of golden bracelets. Over a thousand rupees would be realised by selling them. Let that amount be spent in engaging the services of some eminent Counsel. Oh, don't refuse my offer—for Heaven's sake, let me do something for my peace of mind."—The ladies noticed that Charusila's eyes were sparkling with tears as she finished.

Kali Kant Babu's wife took the bracelets, saying—"Very well, when my husband comes home from the Court, I will tell him."

This incident thawed the other ladies immediately. They began talking to Charusila in a