Page:Nil Durpan.djvu/51

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Torapa.   He did not go to dine in the factory. They prepared a dinner for the Magistrate, in order to get him within their power, but the Magistrate concealed himself like a stolen cow; he did not go to dinner. He is a person of a good family. Why should he go to the Indigo Planters? We have now understood, these Planters are the low people of Belata.[1]

First Ryot.   Then how did the late Governor Saheb go about all the Indigo Factories, being feasted like a bridegroom just before the celebration of the marriage? Did you not see that the Planter Sahebs brought him to this Factory well-adorned like a bridegroom?[2]

Second Ryot.   I think he has some share in this Indigo Company.

Torapa.   No! can the Governor take a share in Indigo affairs? He came to increase his fame. If God preserve our present Governor, then we shall be able to procure something for our sustenance; and the spectre of Indigo shall no more hang on our shoulders.

Third Ryot.   (With fear) I die. If the ghost of this burden once attack a person, is it true that it does not quit him soon? My wife said so.

Torapa.   Why have they brought this brother-in-law here? He does not understand a thing. For fear of the Sahebs, people are leaving the village; and my uncle Bochoroddi has formed the following verse:

"The man with eyes like those of the cat, is an ignorant fool;
"So the Indigo Saheb of the Indigo Factory is a blue devil."

Bochoroddi is very expert in forming such verses.

  1. Belata: i. e. England.
  2. This refers to a certain practice in India of the bridegroom going to the house of relatives amid great feasting before the celebration of the marriage.

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