=the days before the flood.=] The word "antediluvian" meaning "before
the flood," is used sometimes in English for things very ancient
and out of date. There is a play upon this here.
=dazzling outburst.=] Just as, at a firework display, pitch darkness
follows the last firework.
=drawing his heavy cheques.=] To "draw a cheque" is to take so much
from a credit account in the bank. The words are humorously used
here of taking something from the public belief about the
greatness of the Babus of Nayanjore.
=and er-er.=] He hesitates a little as he mentions the ladies.
=Thakur Dada.=] Grandfather.
=my moral character was flawless.=] Note how the author shows the
conceit of this young man. Compare, lower down, the phrase
"because I was so good."
=poet Bhabavuti.=] The poet means that there must be some one in this
vast universe of time and space who is the match for the hero of
his poem.
=Chota LAct Sahib.=] The story refers to the time when Calcutta was the
Capital of India. The Burra LAct Sahib was the Viceroy, the Chota
LAct Sahib was the Lieutenant-Governor.
=walking backward.=] As a mark of respect. He was continually bowing
and then stepping back. This kind of ceremonial bowing was
commoner in earlier days than it is now.
=tall silk hat.=] These were only worn in India at State functions
and their use in this country by Englishmen is becoming more and
more rare. But in earlier days they were not uncommon. They are
black in colour and shining.
=ugly modern custom.=] The author dislikes the passing away of an old
beautiful custom of reverence towards old men.
=becoming an epic.=] Becoming legendary by its additions. An epic poem
often goes on describing an incident with all kinds of marvellous
events added to it, till it becomes a very long story.