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THE WRECK
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THE WRECK

Ramesh having offended him, Annada Babu took

the opportunity to press certain of his own some- what exacting demands. In his present frame of mind Ramesh would have readily agreed to migrate to Cherra Punji or the Garo Hills, or any such mist- drenched mountain-top, if Annada Babu had suggested it instead of Etawah.

"Very good," he said, 'I'll join the Etawah bar," and he departed after undertaking to countermand the invitations.

No sooner had he gone than Akshay appeared and learned from Annada Babu that Ramesh had post- poned his wedding for a week.

Akshay. "Really? He can't do that! Why, it's to be the day after to-morrow."

Annada. "He shouldn't be able to do it. Ordinary people don't do that sort of thing ; but with you mod- ern young men anything is possible"

Akshay assumed an air of portentous gravity, and his mind began to work rapidly. At length he went on :

"When you think you've found a good husband for Hemnalini you shut your eyes to all possibilities. Everything should be ascertained about the man a daughter is to be entrusted to for life. No caution can be dispensed with, even if he be an angel from Heaven."

Annada. "If a lad like Ramesh has to be sus- pected, then no one in the world can be trusted."

Akshay, "Has he given you any reason for the postponement ?"

"No, he gave us no reason," said Annada Babu, rubbing his head. "When I asked him he said he had important business."

Akshay turned away to hide a smirk. "He has given his reason to your daughter, I suppose?"

Annada "I suppose he has."

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