eil of autumn clouds to the earth.]

ACT THE SECOND

THE SHAMPOOER[39] WHO GAMBLED

[_Enter a maid._]

_Maid._

I am sent with a message to my mistress by her mother. I must
go in and find my mistress. [_She walks about and looks around
her._] There is my mistress. She is painting a picture, and putting
her whole heart into it. I must go and speak to her.

[_Then appear the love-lorn Vasantasena, seated, and Madanika._]

_Vasantasena._ Well, girl, and then--

_Madanika._ But mistress, you were not speaking of anything. What
do you mean?

_Vasantasena._ Why, what did I say?

_Madanika._ You said, "and then"--

_Vasantasena._ [_Puckering her brows._] Oh, yes. So I did.

_Maid._ [_Approaching._] Mistress, your mother sends word that you
should bathe and then offer worship to the gods.

_Vasantasena._ You may tell my mother that I shall not take the
ceremonial bath to-day. A Brahman must offer worship in my place.

_Maid._ Yes, mistress. [_Exit._

_Madanika._ My dear mistress, it is love, not naughtiness, that asks
the question--but what does this mean?

_Vasantasena._ Tell me, Madanika. How do I seem to you?

_Madanika._ My mistress is so absent-minded that I know her heart
is filled with longing for somebody.

_Vasantasena._ Well guessed. My Madanika is quick to fathom
another's heart.

_Madanika._ I am very, very glad. Yes, Kama is indeed mighty, and
his great festival is welcome when one is young. But tell me, mistress,
is it a king, or a king's favorite, whom you worship?

[28.1. S.

_Vasantasena._ Girl, I wish to love, not to worship.

_Madanika._ Is it a Brahman that excites your passion, some youth
distinguished for very particular learning?

_Vasantasena._ A Brahman I should have to reverence.

_Madanika._ Or is it some young merchant, grown enormously
wealthy from visiting many cities?

_Vasantasena._ A merchant, girl, must go to other countries and
leave you behind, no matter how much you love him. And the
separation makes you very sad.

_Madanika._ It isn't a king, nor a favorite, nor a Brahman, nor a
merchant. Who is it then that the princess loves?

_Vasantasena._ Girl! Girl! You went with me to the park where
Kama's temple stands?

_Madanika._ Yes, mistress.

_Vasantasena._ And yet you ask, as if you were a perfect stranger.

_Madanika._ Now I know. Is it the man who comforted you when
you asked to be pro