#003 ASK THE LADIES OF THE HOUSE FOR THE FARE

Here is a link to Kathamitra, volume 1, the Gospel of Ramakrishna as recorded by Shri Mahendranath Datta.
http://www.kathamrita.org/kathamrita/k1sec02.htm

Oct. 27, 1882. Shri Keshab Chandra Sen, the Brahmo Samaj leader came on a steamer to Dakshmineshwar and sending his disciples invited Ramakrishna to the steamer. Ramakrishna travelled with Keshab from Dakshineswar to the Coal Loading Port on the Hughli River, in Calcutta. On the way Ramakrishna preached him about Brahma, Kali,
and Nishkama Karma (Self-less action not expecting results). After getting down from the steamer, Ramakrishna and his disciples engage a cab and board it. Keshab prostrated on the ground before Ramakrishna in reverance and left home. Ramakrishna went to a disciple's house by name Surendra. When the cab reached Surendra' house:

Shri Ramakrishna's dress : A red-bordered dhoti, shirt, socks, shoes etc.

"... But Surendra was not at home. He has gone to his new garden. The inmates of the house open a room on the ground floor for them to sit. The cab fare is to be paid. Who will pay it? Had Surendra been there, he would have paid. Thakur says to a bhakta, “Ask the ladies of the house for the fare. Don’t they know that their men are frequent visitors? ... "

BLOGGER'S VIEWS
*If the husbands visited a Godman frequently, should the wives pay the Godman's cart hire?

*Do the Ladies owe an obligation to him? Did the ladies borrow anything from him?

*The purpose of Ramakrishna's visiting Surendra's house seems to be to call for Narendra (Vivekananda) and have a look at him. Narendra came. After talking to him, he rushed back to Dakshineswar by bidding farewell to him. Ramakrishna does not wait for the return of Surendra from his garden, whose ladies paid his cab fare and arranged a room for him.