United States or Palestine ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
The Sub-Inspector was deeply incensed in finding this source of illicit profit cut off, and his vengeance was perpetrated under the pretence of law. A charge of receiving stolen property brought against him was indeed a bolt from the blue; but when Kumodini Babu regained his scattered wits, he told the Sub-Inspector scornfully that he might search every hole and corner of his house.
Kadampur is a country village which is destitute of natural or artificial attractions and quite unknown to fame. Among the latter group Kumodini Kanta Basu's took an unquestioned lead. He had amassed a modest competence as sub-contractor in the Commissariat during the second Afghan War, and retired to enjoy it in his ancestral village.
Thenceforward preparations were made for celebrating it in a manner worthy of the esteem in which both families were held. Kumodini Babu issued invitations to all his relatives.
Kumodini Babu's women-folk filled the house with their lamentations; and his eldest son, Jadu Náth, was the first to recover from the prostration caused by sudden misfortune.
For a few minutes he stood transfixed to the spot; but ere long a happy thought struck him. He clapped his hands in silent glee, and ran to an inner room, where Kumodini Babu lay groaning on the bare floor, guarded by his son who feared that he would do something rash. "Mahásay," he said soothingly. "Do not take on like this!
This important person was asked to supervise the ceremonies, inasmuch as Kumodini Babu's increasing age and infirmities rendered him unfit to do so efficiently, while his eldest son, yclept Jadu Babu, had barely reached man's estate. The letter of invitation referred incidentally to the difference of clan as a matter of no importance.
His first care was to rebuild the family residence, a congenial task which occupied five years and made a large hole in his savings. The usual range of brick cattle-sheds and servants' quarters made up quite an imposing group of buildings. Kumodini Babu's was a favourite rendezvous, and much time was killed there in conversation, card-playing, and chess.
Three days later the pair went to Calcutta with two friends, in order to make the suitor's acquaintance. They were welcomed by Amarendra Babu, who at once sent for his son. The boy came in with eyes fixed on the ground and shyly took a seat near Kumodini Babu. He underwent a severe scrutiny, and at last the old man broke silence by asking the lad his name.
Then Amarendra Babu asked leave to return by the last train, declining hospitality for the night on the plea of previous engagements. Two days afterwards, Kumodini Babu and his son went to Calcutta for the boy's betrothal. A feast followed on the same scale as the previous one.
Kumodini Babu's family priest decided that Ásár 28th would be a lucky day for the wedding, which was to be held at the bride's great-uncle's house in Calcutta.
Word Of The Day