Summary

The action is continuous, resuming at the moment Act Two ended.

Sukhatme calls Miss Benare to the stand. When she does not move, Kashikar – who is still cleaning his ears – insists. When she still does not move, Kashikar calls her insolent, and tells Rokde to take her to the stand. When Rokde does not move, Mrs. Kashikar forcibly takes Miss Benare to the stand. Stage directions comment that “Miss Benare’s face reveals the terror of a trapped animal” (96). Sukatme suggests that Kashikar put on his robes, and Kashikar agrees, immediately becoming more sedate. Sukhatme prays for a moment, and then begins.

Sukhatme demands that Miss Benare take the oath. When she refuses, Samant tells her it is all just a game. Mrs. Kashikar tries to get her to do so, but when she again refuses, Mrs. Kashikar says that her hand...