And then, when he had seen Lolita just as he was leaving Paresh Babu’s house, for a moment he thought that at thus last parting from her he would destroy completely every vestige of their former friendship by confessing to her his grave fault — but he could not think how he was to- do it — so instead he bowed slightly without looking in her direction and went off.
Only a short time ago Binoy had been to Paresh Babu’s family an outsider, and now again he stood there — an outsider. But what a difference! Why did he feel to-day such a void? In his life before he had seemed to lack nothing — he had his Gora and his Anandamoyi. But now he felt like a fish out of water, and whichever way he turned he could find no support. In the midst of that crowded highway of the busy city he saw everywhere a pale and shadowy image of ruin menacing his own life. He was surprised himself at this widespread and barren emptiness, and he asked again and again from the heart¬ less and unanswering sky why this had happened and when, and how it had become possible.
Suddenly he heard some one calling: “ Binoy Babu! Binoy Babu! ” and looking round he saw Sat.ish running after him. Cutching him in his arms, Binoy exclaimed: “ Well, my little brother! What is it, my friend? ” but there were tears in his voice as he spoke, for he had never realised, as he did to-day, what sweetness there was in his relationship with this boy of Paresh Babu's household.
GORA CTTAP.
“ Why don’t you corae to our house? ” asked Satish. “ To-morrow Labonya and Lolita Didi are coming to dinner with us, and Auntie has sent me to invite you too.”
Binoy understood from this that Auntie had not heard the news, so he said: “ Satish Babn, give Auntie my pronams, but tell her that I shall not be able to go.”
‘Satish caught hold of Binoy ’s hand and begged him, saying: “ Why can’t you come? You must come, for we will not let you off no matter for what.”
Now Satish had a special reason for his eagerness. At his school he had been given an essay to write on “ Kindness towards Animals,” and he had been given forty-two marks out of fifty for it, so he was very anxious to show it to Binoy. He knew that his friend was a very wise and learned person, and he had made up his mind that a man of such good taste a3 Binoy would certainly be able to appreciate the true value of his writing. And if once Binoy could be got to confess the excellence of his essay, then the unappreciative Lilia could be looked down upon with contempt if she ventured to express disrespect for his genius. It was he in fact who had induced his Auntie to send the invitation, for he wanted his sisters to be present when Binoy gave out his opinion about the essay.
On hearing that it would be quite impossible for Binoy to come, Satish became greatly downcast, so Binoy put his arm round his neck and said: “ Come, Satish, come homo with me."
As Satish had his essay in his pocket, he was not able to refuse this invitation, so this boy in search of literary fame went to Binoy's house in spite of the fact that he would be wasting precious time with the school examinations so near at hand.
Binoy seemed as if he could not let the boy go, and not only did he listen to the essay, but praised it with a lack of dis¬ crimination which was hardly in keeping with sound principles of criticism. Over and above that he sent to the bazaar for some sweetmeats and plied Satish with refreshments.
He then accompanied the boy nearly to Parcsh Babu’s door, and said with somewhat unnecessary confusion as he was part¬ ing from him: “ Well, Shtish, I must be going now.”
But Satish seized hold of his hand and tried to drag him in, saying: "No, no, you must come into the house I ” To-day, however, his importunity bore no fruit.
Binoy walked as though in a dream to Anandamoyi’s bouse, but as she wa3 not to be seen, he entered the solitary room on xLvm GORA the roof where Gora had been in the habit of sleeping. How many happy days and nights had they spent together in that room during the years of their boyhood’s friendship! What joyous talks, what resolutions, what serious discussions 1 What friendly quarrels they had had there, and with what affection these quarrels had terminated! Binoy wanted to enter this realm of his early days and to forget the present —but these newly-made acquaintances stood as obstacles across the path— somehow they would not allow him to enter. Up to now Binoy had not realised clearly when the centre of his life had shifted and when its direction had changed — now that he understood all without any doubts, he was afraid.
Anandamoyi had put out her cloth to dry on the roof, and when she came up to fetch it at midday she was surprised to ace Binoy in Gora’s room. Going up to him quickly, she put her hand on his shoulder and asked: “ What is the matter, Binoy? Whatever has happened to make you look so pale? ” Binoy sat up and said: “ Mother, when first I used to go to Parcsh Babu’s house Gora used to get angry with me. At that time I used to think his anger was wrong — but it was not his anger that was wrong but my own stupidity.”
Anandamoyi laughed slightly as she said: “ I don't say that you arc a specially intelligent boy, but I would like to know what was wrong with your intelligence in this particular instance? ” “ Mother,” replied Binoy, “ I never for a moment con¬ sidered the complete difference there is in our social customs. I merely thought what pleasure and profit I obtained from their example, and friendship, and was drawn to them for that reason. It never occurred to me for an instant that I had any other cause for anxiety! ” “ On hearing what you have said,” interposed Anandamoyi, “ it would never have occurred to me either.”
“ Mother, you do not know,” said Binoy, “ that I have raised a regular storm about them in their society — people have made such a scandal about it that never again can I go to their - ” “ Gora used repeatedly to say something,” interrupted Anandamoyi, “ which I always thought very true. He says the worst possible thing that can happen is for there to be out* ward peace where there is an inner wrong. If there is a storm in their Saraaj, then there is no need to feel any regret about, it that I can see. You will find that good will come out of it. So long as your own conduct has been sincere it will be all right.”
GORA CHAP.
That was just where Binoy felt there was a hitch. He was not at all sure- whether his own conduct had been entirely blameless or not. Seeing that Lolita belonged to a different society from his and marriage with her was therefore impossible, Binoy felt as though his love for her were like a secret sin, and he was tortured at the thought that now the time had come for the inevitable penance.
“ Mother,” Binoy exclaimed impulsively, “ it would have been better if that proposal for me to marry Soshimukki had beeu carried out. 1 ought to be kept by some strong bond to the place where I really belong — I ought to be bound in such a way that I could never break away."
“ In other words,” laughed Anandamoyi, “ instead of making Soshimukhi your bride you want to make her your chain I What a fate for Soshi! ” At this moment the servant came in with the news that Paresh Babu’s daughters had called. On bearing this announce¬ ment Binoy’s heart began to beat fast, for he made sure that they had come to complain to Anandamoyi about him aud to ask her to warn him to be careful. He stood up hastily, and said: “ Then I must be going, mother.”
But Anandamoyi took his hand and said: “ Don’t leave the house altogether, Binoy. Wait a little downstairs.”
As he went downstairs Binoy kept saying to himself: “ This is quite superfluous on their part. What has taken £lace can’t be helped, but I would sooner die than go to their ousc again. When the punishment for a sin once begins to burn like a fire, even when it has burned the sinner to a corpse, it docs not want to be extinguished.”
As he was about to enter the room downstairs in which Gora used to sit, Mohim came in on his way back from his office, with the buttons of his chapkan undone so as to give more freedom to his swelling girth. “ Well, well, so hero is Binoy! ” exclaimed Mohim as he took Binoy by tho hand. “ Why, I have been wanting to see you.” And he took Binoy into the room and offered him a betel leaf from the pan box which he carried.
“ Bring some tobacco,” he shouted, and then plunged straight into the business he had in mind, asking: “ That matter was practically settled, wasn’t it? So now - ” He saw at once that Binoy’s attitude was not so antagon¬ istic as before. Not that he showed very great enthusiasm, but there was no sign of bis trying to waive the question in any way, and when Mohim wanted to settle the date definitely, rxLvm GORA 237 Binoy said: “Xct Gora come back and then we can decide ■the dav.”
“ That will be >only a few days I ” exclaimed Mohim in a .satisfied tone, and he added: “ What do vou say to having •aome refreshments, Binoy? You are looking quite washed •out to-day. I hope you’re not going to be ill! ” When Binoy had succeeded in extricating himself from the ■danger of refreshments, Molilm departs inside the house to satisfy the pangs of his own hunger, while Binoy began to turn over the pages of the first book he picked up from Gora’s table. Then ho threw the book down and began pacing up .and down the room, until a servant appeared saying that he was wanted upstairs.
“ Who is wanted? ” asked Binoy.
“ You arc," replied the servant.
“ Arc they all upstairs? ” asked Binoy.
“ Yes,” answered the servant.
Binoy followed the man upstairs with a face like that of a :student called to the examination room. He hesitated a little •at the door, but Sucharita called out to him in her usual frank .and friendly voice: “ Come in, Binoy Babu! ” and on hearing her speak in such a tone Binoy felt as though he had suddenly .been presented with unexpected wealth.
When he entered the room both Sucharita and Lolita were .astounded at his appearance, for he already bore traces of the •shock that this harsh and unexpected blow had been to him, and his usually bright and happy face was quite devastated. Though Lolita felt pained and touched at the sight, yet she was unable to disguise some feeling of joy.
On any other day Lolita would not have found it easy to begin talking to Binoy — but to-day the moment he entered the room she exclaimed: “ Oh, Binoy Babu, we have some- •thing we want to consult you about! " These words were to Binoy like a sudden shower of joy, and Jic started with pleasure, and in an instant his pale sad face became radiant.
“ We three sisters,” went on Lolita, “ want to start a small 'Girls’ School.”
“ Why,” exclaimed Binoy enthusiastically. “ for a long ■time it has been a dream of my life to start a Girls’ School! ” “ You will have to help us in this matter," said Lolita.
“ You won’t find me neglectful in anything that I am «apablc of doing,” said Binoy. “ But you must tell me what you want me to do.”
GORA CHAP*- “ The Hindu guardians,” explained Lolita, “ do not trust us because we are Brahmos. So you will have to help us in, this difficulty.” 1 “ Oh, you needn’t have any anxiety on that score,” ex¬ claimed Binoy excitedly, “ I shall be able to manage all right.”'
‘‘That he will be able to do I know,” added Anandamoyi. “ Binoy hasn’t his equal for winning people over by the charms of his persuasive words.”
Lolita went on: “ You will have to advise us how the- School regulations should be worded, how the time should be- divided, and what subjects should be taught, ancl how mauv classes there should be, and ail that sort of thing."
Although these matters would be easy enough for Binov, somehow he felt bewildered. Was Lolita entirely ignorant of the fact that Bordashundari had forbidden him to mix with them any more, and that there was a regular agitation against, thorn going on in their Samaj? He was perplexed by the ques¬ tion as to whether it would be wrong for him, or injurious to- Lolita, if he agreed to her proposal, and yet had lie the strength of mind to refuso a request of Lolita’s to help her in a charitable- work?
Sucharita also on the other hand was equally astonished. She had never so much as dreamt that Lolita would suddcnly make such a request to Binoy. Already her relationship with Binoy was complicated enough, and now there was this un¬ expected affair. That Lolita, knowing everything, should) make such a proposal of he: own free will made Sucharita frightened. She realised that Lolita’s mind was in revolt, but- was it right for her to involve the unfortunate Binoy still- further? So Sucharita said somewhat anxiously: “ We must discuss this matter with father first, so don’t be too- elated, Binoy Babu, at your appointment as Inspector of Girls’ Schools.”
From this remark Binoy saw that Sucharita was trying tact¬ fully to check the proposal, and began to have still further misgivings. Seeing clearly enough that Sucharita know all about the difficulty that had arisen in the family circle it was not conceivable that Lolita was ignorant of it. Why then did. Lolita -? but it was all a pizzle.
“ Of course we must talk to father about it,” assented- Lolita. “ Xow that Binoy Babu has expressed his willingness- to help us we can tell him. He will raise no objection I am sure. We’ll make him help us in the School as well, and you. too,” looking towards Anandamoyi, “ will not be let off.”
XLvm GORA “ Certainly, I will bo able to sweep your schoolroom,” laughed Anandamoyi. “ I can’t think of anything else that I am capable of doing.”
“ That will be more than enough, mother 1 ” said Binoy. “ Then at least our School will be absolutely clean! ” When Sucharita and Lolita had gone Binoy started walking towards the Eden Gardens, and after his departure Mohim went to Anandamoyi aud said: “ I see that Binoy has become much more amenable, so it would be a good thing to get the matter settled quickly. Who knows when he will change his mind again! ” “ What do you say! ” exclaimed Anandamoyi in astonish¬ ment. “ Since when has Binoy become willing again? He never said anything to me about it.”
“ Why, he spoke to me about it only to-day,” answered Mohim. “ He said that the day could be fixed when Gora came home.”
Anandamoyi shook her head and said: “ No, Mohim, you misunderstood him, I assqre you.”
“ However dull my intellect may be,” expostulated Mohim, “ I'm old enough to understand the meaning of plain language. I’m sure of that.”
“ My child,” said Anandamoyi, “ I know you will be angry with me, but I see that you are only going to make trouble over this.”
“ If you want to make trouble,” said Mohim with a serious face, “ then of course trouble will come.”
“ Mohim, I can bear whatever you say to me no matter what it is,” said Anandamoyi, “ but I can’t give my consent to wbat can only cause trouble — it is for the good of all of you that I say this.”
“If only,” replied Mohim rather harshly, “you would leave the question of what is good for us, for us to settle our¬ selves, you wouldn’t have to listen to any complaints, and perhaps it would bo the best for all in the long run. What do Sdu say to leaving the matter of what is best for us till after Dshimukhi is safely married? ” To this Anandamoyi gave no reply; she only heaved a sigh while Mohim, taking his pan box from his pocket, went out chewing the inevitable betel leaf.
GORA CHAP.
CHAPTER XLIX Going to Parcsh Babu Lolita said: “ Because we are Brahmos no Hindu girls want to come and be taught by us, so 1 have been thinking that it would be a good thing for the work if wc could got some Hindu to help in it. What do you think, “ Where can you find any one from amongst the Hindus i asked Parcsh Babu.,, Lolita had come to her father girded for the difficult task of mentioning Binoy’s name, but when it came to the point she suddenly felt shy. However, making a great effort, she said: “ Why should it be so difficult.? There are plenty of suitable peoplo. There is Binoy Babu— or - ” This use of the word “ or 11 was quite superfluous— it was in fact a prodigal use of it, and her sentence remained un¬ completed.
" Binoy! ” exclaimed Paresh Babu. “ But why should Binoy be willing? ”, Lolita’s pride received a blow at this remark. Binoy Babu unwilling! Did he not know that Lolita at least had the power of making him willing 1 She only said: “ There’s no reason why he should not be.”
After a short silence Paresh Babu said: “ When he has looked at it from every point of view he will never agree to Lolita flushed deeply, and began to rattle the bunch of keys that was tied to her sari. Paresh Babu’s heart was pained as lie watched his daughter’s troubled face, but he could not think of any word of consolation. After a little time Lolita looked up slowly, and said: “ Then, father, is this school of ours going to be impossible after all? ” “ I see at present all kinds of difficulties,” said Parcsh Babu. “ If you try you will only raise all sorts of unpleasant criticisms.”
Nothing could be more painful to Lolita than for her to have finally to accept this wrong in silence and for Haran Babu to be victorious, and she would not for a moment have taken the order for retreat from any one else than her father. She herself was not afraid of any unpleasantness, but how was she to bear what was wrong? Quietly she got up and went away.
When she got to her own room she found a letter waiting xux GORA for her,, and from the handwriting she saw that it was from an old school friend named Shailabala, who was now married and living at Bankipure.
In the course of the letter she wrote: “ My mind has been much disturbed by many rumours which I have heard con¬ cerning you all, and I have been thinking of writing to you for news for a long time, but have not found time. But the day before yesterday I had a letter from some one (whose name I will not mention! which contained news about you which dumbfounded me. In fact, I should find it almost impossible to believe if it were not for the trustworthy character of the one who wrote it. Is it possible that you arc contemplating marriage with some Hindu young man? If this is true - ” etc., etc..
Lolita became hot with indignation, and without waiting a moment she sat down to write her answer, which was to the following effect:,,., “ It astonishes me that you should write to ask me whether the news is true or not. Have you so little faith that you have to test the truth of a statement made by a member of the Brahmo Saraaj? Further than that you tell me that yon are thunderstruck at being told that I am likely to marry some Hindu young man! But let rne assure you that there are certain well-known pious young men of the Brahmo Samaj the very thought of marrying whom would fill me with appre¬ hension, and I know one or two young Hindus to whom it would be a matter of pride for any Brahmo girl to be married. I have not anything more that I specially want to wnte to you just now.”, As for Parcsh Babu he gave up all his work for that day, and sat in deep thought for a long time. Then at length he went to see Sucharita, who was quite alarmed on seeing the troubled expression of his face. She knew what it was that was cansing him anxiety, for she herself bad for several days been thinking over the same problem...
Going with Sucharita into her lonely room and sitting down, l'aresh Babu said: “ Mother, the time has come to think seriously about Lolita.”.,, “ I know that, father,” answered Sucharita, looking tenderly towards him.. „., “ I’m not thinking of the scandal in our society, said Paresh Babu, “ I was wondering— well, is Lolita- — ” Seeing Paresh Babu hesitate, Sucharita tried to express clearly what was in her own mind, and said: “ Lolita always GOEA CHAP.
nsed to speak to me quite freely about what she thought, but lately I have noticed that she has not been so open. I under¬ stand well enough that - ” “ Lolita has got a burden on her mind of such a nature,” interrupted Parcsh Babu, “ that she doesn’t want to acknow¬ ledge it even to herself. I am perplexed as to what is the best course to take — what do you think, have I been injuring her by allowing Binoy to come and go freely in our home? ” “ Father, you know that there is no fault in Binoy Babu,” said Sucharita, “ his character is spotless— in fact, I have seen very few natures like his amongst the educated people of our acquaintance."
‘ You arc right, Radha, you are quite right! ” exclaimed Parcsh Babu eagerly, as if he had just discovered a new truth. “ It is to the goodness of his character that we should look — that is what God also looks to. That Binoy is a good man, and that wc have made no mistake in that, is a matter to thank God for."
Paresh Babu breathed freely again feeling that he was delivered from some snare. He was never unjust to his God, and he accepted the scales with which God weighed men as being the scales of eternal truth, and because he had not mixed false weights fabricated by his own society he had no feeling of self-reproach. He wa3 only astonished at himself that he had suffered so much simply from not having for so long understood so obvious a fact. He placed his hand on Sucharita’s head and said: “ To-day, mother, I have learnt a lesson from you! ” Sucharita immediately touched his feet and exclaimed.
'* No! No! What arc you saying, father? ” “ Sectarianism," said Paresh Babu, “ is a thing which makes people entirely forget ths simple and obvious truth that man is man — it creates a kind of whirlpool in which the society-made distinction between Hindu and Brahmo assumes greater importance than universal truth — all this time I have been vainly whirled round in this eddy of falsity."
“ Lolita is not able to give up her determination to start a Girls’ School,” went on Paresh Babu after a pause. “ She wanted me to agree to her asking Binoy to help her in it."
“ No, no, father,” exclaimed Sucharita, “ wait a little first! ” The picture of Lolita’s distressed look as she had left him, after he had discouraged her proposal of seeking help from Binoy, arose before him and gave him intense pain. He GORA CL knew well that his spirited daughter was not feeling so much •troubled at the wrong done her by their society as at being .prevented from declaring war against that wrong, more •especially when it was her father that prevented her. He was therefore eager to change his attitude on the subject, so ic said: “ Why, Radha, why should we wait? ” “ Because otherwise mother will be vexed,’' answered Sucharita.
Parcsh Babu saw that she was right, but before he could •answer Satish came in and whispered something to Sucharita, to which she replied: “ No, Mr. Chatterbox, not now 1 To- .morrow will do! ” “ But to-morrpw I have to go to school,” pouted Satish, •crestfallen.
“ What is it, Satish, what do you want? ” asked Paresh .Babu with an affectionate smile.
“ Oh, it's one of Satish’s - ” Sucharita was beginning, ■when Satish stopped her hastily by putting his hand over her -mouth, and expostulated: “ No, no, don’t tell him! Don’t tel) him! ” “ If it’s a secret why should you be afraid of Sucharita telling? ” asked Parcsh Babu.
“ No, father,” said Sucharita, “ he’s really very anxious dor you to hear this secret.”
“ Never, never! ” shouted Satish as he ran away.
The fact was that Binoy had praised his essay so highly ■that he had promised to show it to Sucharita, and it is super¬ fluous to add that the reason he had reminded her in Parcsh •Babu’s presence was clear enough to Sucharita. Poor Satish •had not realised that in this world the object of his most .secret thoughts could be ascertained so easily.
CHAPTER L CHAPTER L Poor days later Haran Babu called on Bordashundari with a letter in his hand. Nowadays he had given up all hope of (influencing Paresh Babu.
Handing the letter to Bordashundari, Haran Babu re- rmarked: “ From the first I have been trying to warn you to .be careful! You were even displeased with me for doing so. Now you will be able to see from this letter how far things hava GORA CHAP..
S! behind the scenes,” and he handed her the letter which* ta had written in answer to her friend Shailabala.
When she had finished reading it, Bordashundari exclaimed: “ How could I have foreseen this, tell me! I could never have- even dreamt of this happening. But let me tell you that you cannot lay the blame on me for this. You have all conspired together and turned Sucharita’s head by your chorus of praises of her goodness — there was no girl to compare with her in the- whole Brabmo Samaj — now it is for you to check the doings of this ideal Brahmo girl of yours. It was my husband who* brought Binoy and Gor Babu to our home, and although I did my best to guide Binoy to our way of thinking, that busi¬ ness of his ‘ Auntie,’ who was brought from 6omowhcro inti* our house, began, and idol-worship was started, and now Binoy has been so completely spoilt that he runs away at the sight of me. Sucharita is at* the root of all these troubles that arc happening. I alwaj’s knew what kind of a girl she was — but 1 never spoke about it; I actually brought her up in such a way that no one would have known she was not my own child. And now this is what I get for it all! It is useless for you to* have shown me this letter — you must do whatever you think best now! ” Haran Babu generously acknowledged his regret and con¬ fessed quite candidly that he had at one time totally mis¬ understood Bordashundari. At length Paresh Babu was* called.
“Just look at this!” exclaimed Bordashundari, throwing the letter down on the table before him.
After reading the letter carefully twice, Paresh Babu looked! up, and said: Well, what of it? ” “ What of it, indeed 1 ” repeated Bordashundari angrily- “ What more do you want? What further proof is lucking? You’ve allowed the worship of idols, observance of caste,, practically everything. There’s only one thing wanting now,, and that is for you to marry one of your girls into a Hindu family! After that I suppose you will do penance and enter the Hindu society yourself — bat let me tell you - ” “ You need not tell me anything,” said Paresh Babu withi a slight laugh. “ The time for telling me has not come yet!' The real question is why you have all made up your mind that- Lolita intends to marry into a Hindu family. There is nothing- in this letter to make you say so, at least nothing that I can* 6ce.”
“ Up to now I have never been able to discover what cam L GORA open your eyes,” exclaimed Bordashundari impatiently. “ If only you had not been so blind from the very start all this would never have happened. Tell me, what could any one write that is plainer than this letter? ” “ I think perhaps,” interposed Haran Babu, “ that we ought to ask Lolita herself to explain what she meant by this letter. I can inquire from her if I have your permission.”
But before anything further could be said Lolita herself came rushing into the room in a regular storm saying: “ Father, just look at that! It is from our Brahmo Samaj that such anonymous letters are coming! ” Parcsh Babu read the epistle handed to him, and saw that it was full of abuse and advice of various kinds which the writer, taking for granted that her marriage with Binoy had been secretly settled, thought fit to inflict upon Lolita. In addition to this, the writer imputed evil motives to Binoy, and said that he would soon get tired of his Brahmo wife and,, forsaking her, would marry again into a Hindu family.
Haran Babu took the letter from Parcsh Babu and when he- had read it he turned to Lolita with the words: " Lolita, this letter has made you angry, but are you not yourself the cause of such a letter being possible? Tell us how you yourself could write such a letter as this which is in your own hand¬ writing! ” “ So it is with you that Shaila has been corresponding about me, is it? ” asked Lolita after a momentary surprise.
Haran Babu evaded answering plainly, but said: “ Re¬ membering her duty to the Brahmo Samaj she was bound to- send your letter to me.”
“ Tell me once and for all what the Brahmo Samaj wants to* say,” said Lolita, standing firmly before him.
“ This rumour that i3 current throughout our Samaj,” explained Haran Babu, “ in regard to you and Binoy Babu, is one which I for my part do not credit, but I would like to hear a denial from your own lips.”
With blazing eyes Lolita answered him, placing her tremb¬ ling hands on the back of a chair. She said: “ And why, tell me, do you find it impossible to credit it? ” “ Lolita,” said Paresh Babu, placing his hand on her shoulder, “ you are too excited just now to discuss this matter,, you can talk to me about it later. Let us drop the subject for the present.”
“ Don’t try, Paresh Babu, to hush the matter up now that, we have begun it I” interposed Haran Babu.
■m GORA CHAP.
At this remark Lolita became still more angry, and she •exclaimed: “ Father hush it up indeed! Father is not like you people, afraid of tile truth— let me tell you that he knows truth to be greater even than your Brahmo Samaj! I can .assure you that I see nothing either wrong or impossible in my marrying Binoy! ” “But has he decided to be initiated in the Brahmo religion? ’ enquired Haran Babu.., “ Nothing has been decided ” said Lolita, “ and as for his •being initiated as a Brahmo what need is there for that? ” Up to now Bordashundari had been silent— her wish being that to-day Haran Babu should be the victor, and that Parcsh Babu would be bound to confess his fault and show repentance. But she could not contain herself at this, and she joined in, saying: “ Lolita, are you mad? What are you •saying? ”