Subodh Babu took the paper and opened the page where the situations vacant advertisements usually appeared. Jagat interrupted him saying—"Have you heard the news? Mr. Fuller is arriving here at 7 a.m., the day after to-morrow."
Subodh said—"Is he? I wish His Honour joy. He does't intend calling on me, does he?"
"Suppose he does. You would be at home to him, wouldn't you?"
"No Jagat"—went on Subodh in his bantering way—"That won't suit me at all. Mine is a Swadeshi household and besides, my servant has just run away. How am I to entertain His Honour?"
Jagat said, in the same spirit—"Do you know Subodh, it may be to your advantage to entertain him. Poor man, wherever he goes, nobody gives him a welcome. No Municipality has so far voted him an address. In many towns, the District Boards in their meetings have proposed addresses of welcome but have been outvoted by the non-official members."
Subodh, by way of joke, said—"If you think that my reward may take the shape of a comfortable berth under the Government, I am willing to present Mr. Fuller with an address of welcome myself."
"Haven't you heard that a pleader in East Bengal composed some verses in praise of Mr.
