Part 3 (2/2)

_Actress._ Forgive me, sir, forgive me! It was only a joke.

_Director._ But what do these unusual preparations mean? One girl is preparing cosmetics, another is weaving garlands, and the very ground is adorned with sacrificial flowers of five different colors.

_Actress._ This is a fast day, sir.

_Director._ What fast?

_Actress._ The fast for a handsome husband.

_Director._ In this world, mistress, or the next?

_Actress._ In the next world, sir.

_Director._ [_Wrathfully._] Gentlemen! look at this. She is sacrificing my food to get herself a husband in the next world.

_Actress._ Don't be angry, sir. I am fasting in the hope that you may be my husband in my next birth, too.

_Director._ But who suggested this fast to you?

_Actress._ Your own dear friend Jurnavriddha.

_Director._ [_Angrily._] Ah, Jurnavriddha, son of a slave-wench!

When, oh, when shall I see King Palaka angry with you? Then you will be parted, as surely as the scented hair of some young bride.

P. 8.10]

_Actress._ Don't be angry, sir. It is only that I may have you in the next world that I celebrate this fast. [_She falls at his feet._]

_Director._ Stand up, mistress, and tell me who is to officiate at this fast.

_Actress._ Some Brahman of our own sort whom we must invite.

_Director._ You may go then. And I will invite some Brahman of our own sort.

_Actress._ Very well, sir. [_Exit._

_Director._ [_Walking about._] Good heavens! In this rich city of Ujjayini how am I to find a Brahman of our own sort? [_He looks about him._] Ah, here comes Charudatta's friend Maitreya. Good!

I'll ask him. Maitreya, you must be the first to break bread in our house to-day.

_A voice behind the scenes._ You must invite some other Brahman.

I am busy.

_Director._ But, man, the feast is set and you have it all to yourself.

Besides, you shall have a present.

_The voice._ I said no once. Why should you keep on urging me?

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