Page:The Spoilt Child.djvu/102

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
77
THE SPOILT CHILD.
77

he may be able to make handsome presents of money and other things on the occasion of his daughter's marriage; but is money the only thing worth taking into consideration when a marriage is in question? Surely the first requisite is a respectable family, and the next a good girl; and then if there is wealth as well, so much the better, but it does not very much matter. Now Ram Hari Babu of Kanchrapara is a very excellent person: he lives cheerfully and contentedly on the income he derives from his own exertions, and never casts a longing eye on another man's wealth. He may not be in very good circumstances, I allow, but he has always been very careful to have his children well educated, and the one object of his thoughts has been the happiness and moral well-being of his family. To be connected with such a man as this would be a source of entire happiness.

Becharam.—Baburam Babu, who is the intelligent person who has recommended this match to you? Avarice will be your ruin yet. But what right have I to speak? It is after all our social system that is at fault: whenever the topic of marriage comes to the front, people always say: "How sir! will you give me a pot of silver? will you give me a necklace of pearls?" It is only an idiot who would think of saying: "Look first to see whether your proposed relation be respectable or not: enquire whether the girl be a good girl or otherwise." This is a mere trifle: if only wealth is to be got, that is everything.

Bancharam.—We want family, we want beauty, and we want wealth as well: how can a family possibly get on if it professes to despise wealth?

Bakreswar.—True enough: we must keep up a proper respect for wealth. What do we get by intercourse with a poor man? Are our stomachs filled by it?

Thakchacha [bending down from his chair].—All this talk