Page:Vidyasagar, the Great Indian Educationist and Philanthropist.djvu/124

 early in 1873, leaving behind a widow and two little sons. He made the widowed daughter mistress of his household and the two boys were educated by him with loving patience and tender care. His teaching fell on fruitful soil. The elder of the two, Suresh Chandra Somajpati, was the capable editor of the well-known Bengali monthly Sahitya, and was also distinguished for his powers of oratory.

A disagreeable incident took place early in 1874. On the 28th January Vidyasagar went to visit the library of the Asiatic Society in company with two of his friends who wanted to see the Indian Museum. Both these institutions were then located in one and the same building. Vidyasagar, after his custom, wore plain dhuti, chadar and a pair of Indian slippers. The other two were dressed in the fashion of the day and had on shoes of English pattern. When they reached the gates of the place the porter told Vidyasagar to put off his shoes, while his friends were let in with shoes on.