CHAPTER VI.

THE READER HAS CAUSE FOR GREAT DISPLEASURE.

At this point the reader will be much annoyed.  It is a custom with novelists to conclude with a wedding, but we are about to begin with the marriage of Kunda Nandini.  By another custom that has existed from ancient times, whoever shall marry the heroine must be extremely handsome, adorned with all virtues, himself a hero, and devoted to his mistress.  Poor Tara Charan possessed no such advantages; his beauty consisted in a copper-tinted complexion and a snub nose; his heroism found exercise only in the schoolroom; and as for his love, I cannot say how much he had for Kunda Nandini, but he had some for a pet monkey.

However that may be, soon after Kunda Nandini’s arrival at the house of Nagendra she was married to Tara Charan.  Tara Charan took home his beautiful wife; but in marrying a beautiful wife he brought himself into a difficulty.

The reader will remember that Tara Charan had delivered some essays in the house of Debendra Babu on the subjects of women’s education and the opening of the zenana.  In the discussions that ensued, the Master Babu had said vauntingly:  “Should the opportunity ever be given me, I will be the first to set an example of reform in these matters.  Should I marry, I will bring my wife out into society.”

Now he was married, and the fame of Kunda’s beauty had spread through the district.  All the neighbours now, quoting an old song, said, “Where now is his pledge?” Debendra said, “What, are you now also in the troop of old fools?  Why do you not introduce us to your wife?”

Tara Charan was covered with shame; he could not escape from Debendra’s banter and taunts.  He consented to allow Debendra to make the acquaintance of his wife.  Then fear arose lest Surja Mukhi should be displeased.  A year passed in evasion and procrastination; when, seeing that this could be carried on no longer, he made an excuse that his house was in need of repair, and sent Kunda Nandini to Nagendra’s house.  When the repairs of the house were completed, Kunda Nandini returned home.  A few days after, Debendra, with some of his friends, called upon Tara Charan, and jeered him for his false boasting.  Driven thus, as it were, into a corner, Tara Charan persuaded Kunda Nandini to dress in suitable style, and brought her forth to converse with Debendra Babu.  How could she do so?  She remained standing veiled before him for a few seconds, then fled weeping.  But Debendra was enchanted with her youthful grace and beauty.  He never forgot it.

Soon after that, some kind of festival was held in Debendra’s house, and a little girl was sent thence to Kunda to invite her attendance.  But Surja Mukhi hearing of this, forbade her to accept the invitation, and she did not go.  Later, Debendra again going to Tara Charan’s house, had an interview with Kunda.  Surja Mukhi hearing of this through others, gave to Tara Charan such a scolding, that from that time Debendra’s visits were stopped.