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CHAPTER XIV

When Ramesh entered Annada Babu's room he found the master of the house dozing in a chair with a newspaper over his face. At Ramesh's cough he awoke with a start and holding out the paper called his visitor's attention to the heavy death-roll caused by a cholera epidemic in the city.

Ramesh, however, went directly to the point.

"I want you to put the wedding off for a few days," he said, "I have some very important business."

This surprising announcement drove the Calcutta death-rate out of Annada Babu's head. He stared at Ramesh.

"What do you mean, Ramesh? The invitations are all out."

"You could write to-day and say it has been put off til Sunday after next."

"You take my breath away, Ramesh ! It isn't like a case in Court, you know; you can't apply for adjourn- ments and get them just when it happens to suit your convenience. What is this important business of yours?"

Ramesh. "It's very urgent. I can't put it off." Annada Babu collapsed into his chair like a tree felled by a hurricane

Annada. "We can't put it off. That's a fine idea of yours, a most excellent notion! Well, do what you like. I leave it to you to explain matters to the people whom we've invited. If any one asks me 1'11 say, 'I know nothing about it. The bridegroom knows his own business and he'll be able to tell you when it'll suit him to be married i' "

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