(SHAKUNTALA’s eyes drop in embarrassment.)

Anusuya.  Yes, now that we receive such a distinguished guest.

Priyamvada.  Welcome, sir.  Go to the cottage, Shakuntala, and bring fruit.  This water will do to wash the feet.

King.  Your courteous words are enough to make me feel at home.

Anusuya.  Then, sir, pray sit down and rest on this shady bench.

King.  You, too, are surely wearied by your pious task.  Pray be seated a moment.

Priyamvada (aside to SHAKUNTALA).  My dear, we must be polite to our guest.  Shall we sit down? (The three girls sit.)

Shakuntala (to herself).  Oh, why do I have such feelings when I see this man?  They seem wrong in a hermitage.

King (looking at the girls).  It is delightful to see your friendship.  For you are all young and beautiful.

Priyamvada (aside to ANUSUYA).  Who is he, dear?  With his mystery, and his dignity, and his courtesy?  He acts like a king and a gentleman.

Anusuya.  I am curious too.  I am going to ask him. (Aloud.) Sir, you are so very courteous that I make bold to ask you something.  What royal family do you adorn, sir?  What country is grieving at your absence?  Why does a gentleman so delicately bred submit to the weary journey into our pious grove?

Shakuntala (aside).  Be brave, my heart.  Anusuya speaks your very thoughts.

King (aside).  Shall I tell at once who I am, or conceal it? (He reflects.) This will do. (Aloud.) I am a student of Scripture.  It is my duty to see justice done in the cities of the king.  And I have come to this hermitage on a tour of inspection.

Anusuya.  Then we of the hermitage have some one to take care of us.

(SHAKUNTALA shows embarrassment.)

The two friends (observing the demeanour of the pair.  Aside to SHAKUNTALA).  Oh, Shakuntala!  If only Father were here to-day.

Shakuntala.  What would he do?

The two friends.  He would make our distinguished guest happy, if it took his most precious treasure.

Shakuntala (feigning anger).  Go away!  You mean something.  I’ll not listen to you.

King.  I too would like to ask a question about your friend.

The two friends.  Sir, your request is a favour to us.

King.  Father Kanva lives a lifelong hermit.  Yet you say that your friend is his daughter.  How can that be?

Anusuya.  Listen, sir.  There is a majestic royal sage named Kaushika——­

King.  Ah, yes.  The famous Kaushika.

Anusuya.  Know, then, that he is the source of our friend’s being.  But Father Kanva is her real father, because he took care of her when she was abandoned.