Summary

The action is continuous.

Rokde resists going on the stand, and Miss Benare is laughing at him, but Kashikar insists. Meanwhile, Karnik comments that he does not actually know whether Rokde knows anything or not. He was only, he says, trying to keep the mock trial going. As Sukhatme questions him, Rokde becomes increasingly nervous. Mrs. Kashikar encourages him to speak, saying he will have bigger parts in the regular performances if he plays his part well. Again, she urges Samant to pay attention.

As Miss Benare continues to joke and behave in other dismissive ways, Sukhatme continues to press Rokde on whether he ever saw Miss Benare behave inappropriately. Meanwhile, as Kashikar continues to clean his ears, he belittles Rokde, while Mrs. Kashikar encourages him to speak. Sukhatme’s manner becomes more and more intense as he pushes Rokde to...