Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/89

Rh At last, Nagendra Babu was the sole occupant of the bench. The last visitor departed, and he was sent for. Nagendra Babu reeled into the Magistrate's presence, like one drunk.

"Good morning, Sir."—said he as he entered.

The Magistrate, keeping his seat, said—"Good morning, Babu."

Babu!—On former occasions, the Magistrate used to rise, offer his hand, and say—"Good mornningmorning [sic], Nagendra Babu." He knew very well that Bengalee gentlemen of position took offence at being addressed as "Babu" without their names being prefixed to it.

Nagendra Babu, however, did not mind it,—as he had already decided upon the course he was to pursue.

Pressing his cigar between his teeth the Magistrate asked—"What news about Swadeshi in the town?"