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42

THE WRECK

regions of the intellect and if they suffer from indiges- tion they think it vulgar to investigate the cause"

Annada Babu commenced laboriously to demonstrate that good digestion is as essential to a philosopher as to any one else. Ramesh sat between the two, en- during tortures in silence.

"My advice to you, Ramesh Babu," concluded Ak- shay, "is to take one of Annada Babu's pills and to go to,"bed early."

"I have something to say to Annada Babu," re- torted Ramesh, "and I'm waiting for an opportunity,"

Akshay rose from his chair.

"Well hang it all, you might have told me that a little sooner. Ramesh Babu sits on a thing for hours and then flings it at one's head when it's too late," And he took leave of his host.

Gazing fixedly at the toes of his boots Ramesh began:

"Annada Babu, I feel extremely fortunate to have been given the run of your house and in being treated like one of the family; I can't tell you how much it has meant to me."

"That's all right," replied Annada Babu. "You're our Jogen's friend, and it's quite natural that we should treat you as though you were his brother."

Ramesh had, as it were, stood up to dance, yet was at a loss for the next step.

To smooth the way for him Annada Babu went on, "In fact, it's we who are lucky in having a lad of your stamp as a son of the house, Ramesh."

But even that did not give Ramesh a lead.

"You see," Annada Babu continued, "the gossips have begun to couple your name with Hemnalini's. When a girl reaches the marriageable age, they say, she ought to be very careful in her choice of com- panions. I tell them, 'I've absolute trust in Ramesh; he's not a man who would ever let us down."

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