turning a man's wrath away; and Becharam Babu, mollified by the courteous welcome so unanimously accorded him, sat down with a smile close to Beni Babu. Baburam Babu thereupon said to him: "Sir, the seat you have taken is not a good one: come and sit with me on my couch." Men after each other's hearts are as inseparable as cranes, and notwithstanding the pressing invitation of Baburam Babu, Becharam Babu would not give up his seat near Beni Babu.
After some time spent in conversation on different topics, Becharam Babu asked: "What about Matilall's marriage contract? Where has it been arranged?"
Baburam.—A good many proposals for a contract of marriage have come in: Haridas Babu of Guptipara, Shyma Charan Babu of Nakashipur, Ram Hari Babu of Kanchrapara, and many others belonging to different districts have sent in proposals. These have all been passed over, and a marriage has been arranged with the daughter of Madhav Babu of Manirampur. He is a man possessed of considerable property; we shall, moreover, make a good deal out of the connection.
Becharam.—Beni, my friend, what do you think about this? Come, tell me plainly and openly your opinion.
Beni.—Becharam, my dear friend, it is no easy matter to tell you plainly: you know the proverb: "A dumb man makes no enemies." Besides what is the use of discussing a thing that has been settled?
Becharam.—Oh, but you must tell me: I like to know the ins and outs of every marriage.
Beni.—Listen then: Madhav Babu of Manirampur is a very quarrelsome sort of person,—has not even the manners of a gentleman. He has a reputation amongst Brahmans for orthodoxy, only gained by making presents to them, but he is an utterly unscrupulous man. True,
