with all the more deadly force.] The thrower being up above, the speed would increase all the more on the downward flight of the missile.
requiring expensive fodder.] Vanity can feed itself on the idea of self importance.
to graze at large.] Merely to feed on what is before it. He gave it extra food by paying for a number of flatterers, just as a horse is stall-fed with extra supplies of food.
turned round on him.] His vanity would be offended and he would be his enemy instead of his helper.
forced extravagance.] Kalipada had been forced by the sneers of the students to give far more than he could afford.
draw tears from the eyes.] An amusing way of saying that no burglar would ever dream of trying to rob such a room.
laid their impious hands.] Had grossly insulted.
let him climb down first.] An English metaphor meaning "let him be humble."
he discovered the truth.] The truth that he was a near relative of Kalipada.
grandchild's privilege.] Especially in Bengal, a grandchild is allowed the liberty of making jokes with his grandfather.