HIS RELEASE
77
At last, Nagendra Babu was the sole occupant of the bench. The last visitor departed, and he was sent for. Nagendra Babu reeled into the Magistrate's presence, like one drunk.
"Good morning, Sir."—said he as he entered.
The Magistrate, keeping his seat, said—"Good morning, Babu."
Babu!—On former occasions, the Magistrate used to rise, offer his hand, and say—"Good mornning, Nagendra Babu." He knew very well that Bengalee gentlemen of position took offence at being addressed as "Babu" without their names being prefixed to it.[1]
Nagendra Babu, however, did not mind it,—as he had already decided upon the course he was to pursue.
Pressing his cigar between his teeth the Magistrate asked—"What news about Swadeshi in the town?"
- ↑ Before the advent of the English, the word "Babu" standing alone was a term of great respect. But Englishmen by their contemptuous use of it, have rendered it obnoxious to the community. A Bengalee would not resent being addressed as "Babu" by his own countrymen; but would take offence if a European were to address him so. If the name is prefixed to the "Babu," it is all right. The matter is purely sentimental though difficult to support by logic. It is very much like the gentlemen of Scotland claiming to be called Scotsmen and taking offence at their being called Scotchmen.—Translator.
