story goes that certain men of Uttarpara once came to secure his recommendation for some vacant posts which they hankered after. He was then by the sick-bed of his youngest daughter, keeping watch over her. The medical attendant downstairs told the visitors of the critical condition of the child. Solicitous to promote their own interests, they would take no warning. The servant, through whom they sent him word, announced on return that his master was unable to receive them that day. Still they were not satisfied and, without further ado, began to ascend the stairs. Hearing the footfalls, Vidyasagar hurriedly left the sick room and rebuked them roundly. "You know only to consult your own convenience," he went on with a sternly condemning accent, "but I cannot indulge this demand for an interview when I am so busy; better come at a propitious moment." At this chilling rebuff the roisterers hung down their head in abashed silence and dropped off pell-mell.
In 1866 a bill was introduced into the
