The rest of the day and night my head was full of plans and schemes. I could think of nothing else. And my wife was as excited as I was. Why should I not give way to my enthusiasm? Why should one made of flesh and blood, with feelings, appear like a man carved out of wood or stone? Early the next morning a chuprassi brought a note from Mr. Jasper. It said: “My dear Japhet: I like your scheme, and will do this—double every rupee you expend from other sources, until it is fully carried out. I am, &c.” As I read this I sprang to my feet with a bound, and my wife, who had been looking over my shoulder, fairly danced. I know that tears of gladness came into my eyes, not only for the princely munificence of his offer, but for the magnanimous character of the man I then esteemed as my best and truest friend. I like to give way to my joys, as I have too often had to yield to my sorrows. I replied to the note in unbounded thanks, expressing a hope that he might never have occasion to regret his magnificent proposal. The ground was already provided, and now half of the expense was secured, so the project was assured of success. I at once drew up a sketch for a building, the foundation to be four feet above the ground, so as to be no down-in-the-mud affair; a large carriage way in front, an entrance hall, a library and lecture hall to be separated by purdahs, curtains, to be used as one room in case of necessity, a billiard and smoking room, and a refectory. My wife, looking on, remarked, “That is all very well for you men, but where do we women come in? Have you forgotten us? I have some money to invest in this enterprise, as well as an interest in looking after the rights of the women.” I might say here that she had considerable money, over which she had entire control, and with which I never interfered except to advise her about it when she asked me, which she often did. I believe in the equal rights of a woman with a man; that she should have an absolute control over her own property, and an equal share with her husband in all wealth acquired after marriage. They both should be equal partners in the marital firm. “Certainly, my dear,” said I, “the women must have their rights and privileges, and to show our appreciation of them we will place them over us, give them the story above, where they can look down on us, for this is only the ground plan.” And she was satisfied.