Amin. (To Sadhu.) Where shalt thou go now? You are also to go with me. To take advances is not the business of Ray. We shall have much to bear with if we are to make signature by cross marks. And because you know how to read and to write, therefore you must go and make the signatures in the Factory Account-book.
Sadhu. Sir, do you call this giving advances for Indigo; would it not be better to call it the cramming down Indigo?[[5]] Oh! my Ill-fortune, you are still with me. That very blow through fear of which I fled, I have to bear again. This land was as the Kingdom of Rama before Indigo was established; but the ignorant fool is become a beggar, and famine has come upon the land.
Amin. (To himself observing Khetromani.) This young woman is not bad-looking; if our younger Saheb can get her, he will, with his whole heart, take her. But while I was unable to succeed in getting a peshkar’s (overseer’s) post by giving him my own sister, what can I expect from getting him this woman; but still she is very beautiful; I will try.
Reboti. Khetra, go into the room.
(Khetromani goes away.)
Amin. Now, Sadhu, if you want to come in a proper manner, come with me to the Factory.
(Going forward.)
Reboti. Oh Amin! have you no wife nor children? Have you kept only the plough and this beating (márpit)? Did he not want to drink a little water? By this time he ought to take a second meal, how can he then, without taking any food, go to the Saheb’s house which is at such a distance. I ask for the Saheb’s grace; just let him have some food; and then take him away. Oh! he is so very much troubled for his wife and his children. Oh! he is shedding tears, his face is become dry. What are you doing? To what a burnt-up land am I come? Destruction has come upon me both in life and money. Oh! Oh! Oh! I am gone both in life and money. (Weeps.)
Amin. Oh, stupid woman! Now stop your grunting. If you want to give water, bring it soon; else I shall take him away. (Ray Churn drinks water; exit all.)
