The World of Courtesans c10.13

c10.13

Meanwhile Charudatta has prevailed upon his friend Maitreya to go out with his maid Radanika and offer *bali* to the Mothers. As Maitreya opens the door to go out, Vasantasena quietly slips into the house, after putting out the candle. Later on Shakara enters the house with his followers. He is reprimanded by Maitreya and there is an exchange of angry words. Shakara asks Maitreya to convey to Charudatta the information that he and his followers had tried to win Vasantasena by force. He asks him to restore her to them at once and then he will be his friend forever. But if Charudatta refused to do so, there would be a fight to death. After saying all this, Shakara departs. Charudatta speaks to Vasantasena in the dark. He issues orders to her for he is under the impression that she was Radanika. Soon the mistake is found out; Vasantasena leaves her ornaments with Charudatta for safety and is escorted to her house by Maitreya.