DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.22902#0012
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seem to be thus disappointed, I would fain suggest to you a
plan which might ensure some success to your mission, namely,
since His Majesty the Rana has thought fit to decline the
offer, could not his son be induced to accept it ?—for I assure
you, Rutnavali is a gem which is alone worthy of the royal
zenana."
" Excuse me^ sir ; but I am apt to smile at the very simple-
ness of your question, for the Rana's son is as superior in
point of caste to Lallajee as the Rana himself; how is it
possible, then, for the son to accept the sreephid when the
father has brought forward the consideration of caste V
The youth was perhaps a little nettled at the Brahmin's
manner, but stifling his displeasure, if he felt any, he said,
" But supposing the young Prince were willing to accept the
sreephul in spite of his royal father's disapprobation, could
you have any objection to it V
" Objection ! No, none whatever, for I am sure the Chief
of Bumaoda would be most happy to get such a worthy
son-in-law, of whose person and quality fame speaks so loudly.
As for me, what could be more pleasing to the family-priest
than this most desirable match? for, independently of the
consideration that a person of such high rank must give very
large donatives to the dependants and domestics of the Chief-
tain, (and especially to the priest who has been connected
with that family for upwards of thirty years,) the very idea,
that our Rutnavali should be wedded to such a bridegroom,
gives me infinite pleasure. In short, sir, taking your supposi-
tion for granted, should the young Prince be willing to accept
the sreephul, I would have no objection to offer it to him."
No sooner had the Brahmin finished his speech, than the
youth, who had heard him out with the utmost patience, now,
with a smiling face, gracefully extended his right hand to
receive the offer. At this the Brahmin stepped back, and began
to stare at him with a wondering gaze; he was surprised to
seem to be thus disappointed, I would fain suggest to you a
plan which might ensure some success to your mission, namely,
since His Majesty the Rana has thought fit to decline the
offer, could not his son be induced to accept it ?—for I assure
you, Rutnavali is a gem which is alone worthy of the royal
zenana."
" Excuse me^ sir ; but I am apt to smile at the very simple-
ness of your question, for the Rana's son is as superior in
point of caste to Lallajee as the Rana himself; how is it
possible, then, for the son to accept the sreephid when the
father has brought forward the consideration of caste V
The youth was perhaps a little nettled at the Brahmin's
manner, but stifling his displeasure, if he felt any, he said,
" But supposing the young Prince were willing to accept the
sreephul in spite of his royal father's disapprobation, could
you have any objection to it V
" Objection ! No, none whatever, for I am sure the Chief
of Bumaoda would be most happy to get such a worthy
son-in-law, of whose person and quality fame speaks so loudly.
As for me, what could be more pleasing to the family-priest
than this most desirable match? for, independently of the
consideration that a person of such high rank must give very
large donatives to the dependants and domestics of the Chief-
tain, (and especially to the priest who has been connected
with that family for upwards of thirty years,) the very idea,
that our Rutnavali should be wedded to such a bridegroom,
gives me infinite pleasure. In short, sir, taking your supposi-
tion for granted, should the young Prince be willing to accept
the sreephul, I would have no objection to offer it to him."
No sooner had the Brahmin finished his speech, than the
youth, who had heard him out with the utmost patience, now,
with a smiling face, gracefully extended his right hand to
receive the offer. At this the Brahmin stepped back, and began
to stare at him with a wondering gaze; he was surprised to