Bholi at first agreed to an unequal match because she overheard her parents' conversation where her mother called her a 'witless one' who was 'like a dumb cow'. Her mother believed that Bholi was lucky to get a well-to-do bridegroom who had a big shop, a house, and several thousand in the bank. Since Bishamber was from another village and did not know about her pock-marks and lack of sense, and was not asking for any dowry, Bholi accepted her mother's view that she may remain unmarried all her life if she rejected the proposal.

Bholi later rejected the marriage because Bishamber proved to be greedy. On seeing the bride's face, he demanded five thousand rupees as dowry. Ramlal placed the money at his feet. On Bishamber's greedy face appeared a triumphant smile as if he had gambled and won. When he asked for the garland, Bholi's hand struck out like a streak of lightning and she flung the garland into the fire. She refused to marry a man who was greedy and disrespectful.

This tells us that Bholi had transformed from a timid, submissive girl into a confident and courageous young woman. She was no longer the 'dumb cow' her family thought she was. She spoke in a clear loud voice without even the slightest stammer, showing her self-respect and dignity. She could now stand up for herself and reject what was wrong, proving that education had empowered her.