At length, when he appeared, she was astonished at his looks.

His face and eyes were inflamed--he had been drinking, and as he had never been given to drinking before his wife was shocked.

From that time it became a daily custom.
One day Surja Mukhi, casting herself at his feet, choking down the sobs in her throat, with much humility entreated, "For my sake give this up." Nagendra asked angrily, "What is my fault ?" Surja Mukhi said: "If you do not know what is the fault, how can I?
I only beg that for my sake you will give it up." Nagendra replied: "Surja Mukhi, I am a drunkard! If devotion should be paid to a drunkard, pay it to me; otherwise it is not called for." Surja Mukhi left the room to conceal her tears, since her weeping irritated her husband, and led him to strike the servants.
Soon after, the _Dewan_ sent word to the mistress that the estate was going to ruin.
She asked, "Why ?" "Because the Babu will not see to things.

The people on the estates do just as they please.

Since the _Karta_ is so careless, no one heeds what I say." Surja Mukhi answered: "If the owner looks after the estate, it will be preserved; if not, let it go to ruin.