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INTRODUCTION.
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re-tried, and a decision obtained ordering Rakhmabai to live with her husband within a month, or go to prison for six months. Still she refused, and determined to appeal to the Privy Council in England. The opposing party had, however, got weary of litigation, and through the mediation of some friends a compromise was effected, and the man signed an agreement that he would not force her to live with him against her will. Soon after she came to England, where she still remains, hoping, after a time, to return to her native country and endeavour to help other women.

The work of emancipating and educating the women of India, of breaking down the barriers of prejudice and social custom by which they are surrounded is, indeed, a vast one; and time, patience, and perseverance are needful for its accomplishment. There are, and must be, many failures and many disappointments, but on the other hand there are many encouragements and many proofs that those for whose benefit these efforts are being made are not ungrateful.

Were it possible to entertain a doubt on this subject, it would be dispelled by such a sight as that which was witnessed in Calcutta in December 1888, when nearly eight hundred native ladies came together at Government House, to present to Lady Dufferin an address signed by over four thousand women in