If a woman has two husbands the children have no protector;
should there be uncertainty about the father, society would be much
disordered; but no such uncertainty arises when a man has two wives.
Many other such objections might be pointed out. Whatever is injurious
to the many is contrary to morals. If you think a man's having two
wives opposed to morality, point out in what way it is injurious to
the majority. You will instance to me discord in the family. I will
give you a reason: I am childless. If I die my family name will become
extinct; if I marry I may expect children: is this unreasonable? The
final objection--Surja Mukhi: Why do I distress a loving wife with a
rival? The answer is, Surja Mukhi is not troubled by this marriage:
she herself suggested it; she prepared me for it; she is zealous for
it. What objection then remains? and why should I be blamed?"
[Footnote 14: The writer is mistaken in supposing that the Christian
doctrine of monogamy is derived from the Mosaic law.]
Kamal Mani having read the letter, said--
"In what respect he is to blame God knows; but what delusions he
cherishes! I think men understand nothing. Be that as it may, arrange
your affairs, husband; we must go to Govindpur.
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