Summary

Stage directions describe the action as taking place in “a completely empty hall” with “a built-in platform,” a couple of chairs, an out-of-order clock, and “a picture of the god Ganesha” (55).

Samant comes in, carrying “a lock and key, a toy parrot made of green cloth, [and] a book” (55). He calls to Miss Benare, who follows him in and is sucking the tip of her finger. Samant assumes she got it caught in the door, and speaks at length about both the lock and his own experience getting a finger caught. Miss Benare tells him that sucking her finger is just a nervous habit, but assures him that she feels good about being there with him, and likes him very much. Samant is embarrassed, and after Miss Benare compliments the hall, Samant speaks at length about the things that happen there. When...