“Why has the moon risen so early?” he asked.

“Because the moon can’t do otherwise,” she answered, with a faint smile.  “But, joking apart, I want to consult you about Saili.  Our neighbour Kanto Babu’s wife called on me just before you returned from Calcutta, and, after beating about the bush, suggested Kumodini Babu’s younger son, Nalini, as a suitable match for her.”

Sham Babu’s face wore a worried look.

“Surely that would be flying too high for such as us,” he rejoined.  “The Basus are comparatively rich, and very proud of their family which settled here during the Mughal days (i.e., before British rule, which in Bengal date from 1765).  Young Nalini is reading for his B.A. examination and wants to be a pleader (advocate).  Kumodini Babu would hardly allow his son to marry the daughter of a poor clerk.”

“Still, there is no harm in trying,” remarked the wife.  “If you don’t feel equal to approaching him, there’s Kanto Babu who would do so.  It was his wife who broached the subject to me, which makes me think that they have been discussing it together.”

“An excellent idea,” exclaimed Sham Babu.  “I’ll go to him at once.”  And taking his stick, he set out for Kanto Babu’s house, which was barely fifty yards off.  In half an hour he returned to gladden his wife with the news that their neighbour had consented to act as a go-between.

Kanto Babu was as good as his word.  That very evening he called on Kumodini Babu, whom he found reading the Mahabharata (an epic poem).  After dwelling now on this matter, now on that, he asked casually:—­

“Have you never thought of getting Nalini married?  He is over twenty, I believe.”

“My wife has been urging me to look out for a wife for him, but in my opinion he is too young for such responsibilities.  Better wait till he has passed the B.A. examination.”

“Your wife’s idea is sounder than yours, if I may be permitted to say so.  Just think of the awful temptations to which unmarried students are exposed in that sink of profligacy, Calcutta!  How many promising lads have succumbed to them, wrecking their own lives and causing bitter grief to their parents!”

Kumodini Babu started.  “You surprise me!  I had no idea that Calcutta was as bad as you paint it.  We must certainly get Nalini married at once.  I wonder whether you know of a likely match for him.  I don’t care about money, but—­”

“That I do,” interrupted Kanto Babu, “There’s Sham Babu’s daughter, Shaibalini.  What a pretty creature she is; modest, loving and kind-hearted!  You won’t find her equal in this elaqa (lit. jurisdiction).  If you approve, I will gladly be your spokesman with her family.”

Kumodini Babu mused awhile before answering.  “I know Shaibalini well by reputation, and she is all you describe her.  Sham Babu, too, comes of excellent lineage, though he is not a Zemindar, and depends on service.  I should not object to marrying Nalini with his daughter.  But wait a bit:  what gotra (clan) does he belong to?”