Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/436

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MICHAEL M. DATTA.
393

Srish has written to me offering Rs. 21,000. But don't you think Onookool would advance fresh money enough to pay off that man and hold the property by way of mortgage—usufructuary mortgage—I paying him the difference in the interest? If we can in this way save the estate let us do so, if not let them go. I wish I could run over and see you. Perhaps I shall do so next Saturday.

"With affectionate regard

***

(Sd.) "M. M. Datta."

But practically Mudhusudana took no steps to relieve his friend from encumbrance. Sweet, flattering words were all he could give. Far from contributing anything towards the clearance of his previous debts, he would melt Vidyasagar's tender heart with pitiful supplications, and obtain from him fresh loans, as will be evident from the letter quoted below:—

"No. 22 , Baniapooker Road
"Entally
"Sunday

"My Dear Vid,

"I was called away to Howrah in a little case and had no time either to write or call yesterday. Excuse my selfishness, my greatest of Benefactors and noblest of Friends for troubling you with my affairs at a time when you yourself are so poorly;—but except Him whose name you bear, I have no one to help me! Now, that most of my cre-