tector;
should there be uncertainty about the father, society would be much
disordered; but no such uncertainty arises when a man has two wives.
Many other such objections might be pointed out. Whatever is injurious
to the many is contrary to morals. If you think a man's having two
wives opposed to morality, point out in what way it is injurious to
the majority. You will instance to me discord in the family. I will
give you a reason: I am childless. If I die my family name will become
extinct; if I marry I may expect children: is this unreasonable? The
final objection--Surja Mukhi: Why do I distress a loving wife with a
rival? The answer is, Surja Mukhi is not troubled by this marriage:
she herself suggested it; she prepared me for it; she is zealous for
it. What objection then remains? and why should I be blamed?"

[Footnote 14: The writer is mistaken in supposing that the Christian
doctrine of monogamy is derived from the Mosaic law.]

Kamal Mani having read the letter, said--

"In what respect he is to blame God knows; but what delusions he
cherishes! I think men understand nothing. Be that as it may, arrange
your affairs, husband; we must go to Govindpur."

"But," replied Srish, "can you stop the marriage?"

"If not, I will die at my brother's feet."

"Nay, you can't do that; but we may bring the new wife away. Let us
try."

Then both prepared for the journey to Govindpur. Early the next day
they started by boat, and arrived there in due time. Before entering
the house they met the women-servants and some neighbours, who had
come to bring Kamal Mani from the _ghat_. Both she and her husband
were extremely anxious to know if the marriage had taken place, but
neither could put a single question. How could they speak to strangers
of such a shameful subject?

Hurriedly Kamal Mani entered the women's apartments; she even forgot
Satish Babu, who remained lingering behind. Indistinctly, and dreading
the answer, she asked the servants--

"Where is Surja Mukhi?"

She feared lest they should say the marriage was accomplished, or
that Surja Mukhi was dead. The women replied that their mistress was
in her bed-room. Kamal Mani darted thither. For a minute or two she
searched hither and thither, finding no one. At last she saw a woman
sitting near a window, her head bowed down. Kamal Mani could not see
her face, but she knew it was Surja Mukhi, who, now hearing footsteps,
arose and came forward. Not even yet could Ka