Felix Galhena was a bachelor of 26 years of age holding a responsible post in Government
service. When a marriage, broker came to see Felix, the latter wanting to crack
a joke, told him, “You find me a girl with a big dowry, and for your trouble I
shall give you the girl keeping the dowry with me." The marriage broker
had a hearty laugh and said, “Mr. Galhena, I came to see you on a matter which
would enhance your future prospects greatly by getting into a rich and very
influential family. I know of an affluent Mudalali, who is having three
daughters and you can pick anyone as the Mudalali does not follow the native
custom of giving the eldest daughter in marriage
first." Felix became interested and agreed to go with the marriage broker
to see those girls.
On an appointed day Felix and the marriage broker stepped into the Mudalali’s
residence in Colombo. The Mudalali was a politician as well, and after talking
about various political and social matters, he brought out his first (eldest)
daughter and said, “You can see how beautiful she is. I am giving her a dowry
of one lakh of rupees because she is a little squint eyed."
When the eldest girl went away the Mudalali brought out another girl (the
second). "This girl is also beautiful and i shall give her a dowry of two
lakhs because she is a little bowlegged."
When the third girl was brought before the prospective suitor, he held his
breath in awe for the girl was a ravishing beauty. He thought to himself” This
is going to be my future wife and nobody else.”
Said the Mudalali, "Needless to say this is the most hands some girl of
the three. Besides I am giving her the most amount of money, i.e. three lakhs because
she is a little pregnant.”
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