Page:Vidyasagar, the Great Indian Educationist and Philanthropist.djvu/57

 at the request of Vidyasagar a meeting of the learned Pundits was held in the palace of Raja Radhakanto Deva Bahadur. After some time the assembly broke up in murmuring confusion and no decision was arrived at. The Raja Bahadur publicly rewarded Vidyasagar with a pair of shawls. The people took it as tantamount to advocacy of remarriage. Shortly after they went in large numbers to the Raja to ask him if he was really a favourer of the movement. Now, this nobleman had great influence with the Hindu community and was not particularly willing to impair it. He saw himself in a fix but proved equal to the situation. Plucking up all his courage he put forward an explanation of his conduct. He had rewarded Vidyasagar, he replied in a manner worthy of a Pickwick, for his proved excellence in debate. He would, he continued, convene another meeting for the discussion of the subject, if they liked. The men eagerly welcomed the proposal and an early meeting was called. As it