Summary

The priest is taken in by Sohini’s beauty and she is grateful for the favor he shows her while also being embarrassed and fearful that his favor will mark her as a target for further abuse and harassment. As he ignores the rest of the people waiting for water, “The washerwoman cast dark and angry glances at her as she sullenly drew nearer the well with the rest of the crowd which had now begun to appeal to a newcomer for help” (26).

Lachman, a Hindu water-carrier, stops to stare at Sohini as well. He finds her extremely beautiful and feels hope that she might see him.

Sohini returns home to her father’s frustration with her delay. He complains about the lack of tea and bread and calls his sons. Bakha watches his father blowing on the tea and notes that...