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52 idea of his going unmarried) would have brought Mr. Eden to change his mind, a thing he rarely does.

Observe how in this letter Government smoothed away all my father's objections. The marriage was to be merely a "solemn betrothal," and "hey presto!" the age difficulty vanished. Concessions were certain so far as his religious scruples were concerned, but the words "now or never" throw a curious side-light upon the Government policy. The Cooch Behar-Sen alliance was necessary to them, and my father was to be finally "rushed" into giving his consent. That such was the case is shown by the following telegram from the Dewan to Babu Chuckerbutty:

"Deputy Commissioner says can't wait too long even if matter not published. Must have private assurances of Keshub Babu's consent without delay. Remember preparations. 27-1-78."

Then the delight of Babu Chuckerbutty found expression in this letter to Prosonna Babu:—

", "Such has been the pleasure of God! and I am amongst you to re-open the question of marriage. "Mountains and oceans stood as barriers before us, but thanks to the great Remover of all difficulties, we have managed to get over them all.

"Should we not see in all this, the hand of Him