My editor soul was delighted at Nirmala's interest in The Light of Bengal, and I answered quickly—"Oh yes, I have copies. I will send one to you to-morrow."
"Don't trouble about it, send it when quite convenient"—replied Nirmala.
Mrs. Sen said—"Manmatha Babu, we shall be glad to have you with us at tea to-morrow afternoon"—and with the usual polite farewells they departed.
I went towards the Sanatorium, thinking that such is the influence of education and habit that even a Bengali maiden can talk to a strange gentleman in a free and easy manner, without the least embarrassment. At night, resting my wearied body on my bed, I revolved many thoughts on social matters. What would be the ultimate result of these new manners and customs we were importing with education from Europe? But before my reflections travelled far I had fallen asleep.
CHAPTER III
As I drank my tea the next morning, I reviewed the events of the previous day. I could not regard this free mingling of the sexes except as a danger to social morality. So I resolved not to go to this tea. Why should I
