from his library, he purchased a brand-new set for presentation.
Once a plutocrat of the city called on him while he was in the library. The visitor was surprised to see so many books all beautifully bound and exclaimed, "Sir, you must be crazy to spend so much in getting those books bound in morocco!" Vidyasagar simply smiled and passed on to other topics. After a while he began admiring the splendid shawl which the gentleman had on and inquired about the price. Highly flattered, the unsuspecting visitor replied that it being of real Benares make had cost him Rs. 500. "Why did you expend so large a sum," came the hard but happy retort, "when a common blanket might have kept you warm as well? Why wear that gold watch-guard when a strong threat might have alike served the purpose?" The caller realised that the tables had been turned upon him and had not a single word to say in reply. With a profound bow he retired in silence.
