The World of Courtesans c8.257

c8.257

She also pondered over personal omens and began to prognosticate; she kept wondering whether her lover was coming or not. She waited anxiously with her hand on the cheek, sobbing quietly. But as soon as the lover arrived, she received him with great joy. But if he showed signs of having consorted with some other woman, she expressed her feelings through vehement reproaches, jealous and angry words, insults, and fainting. Her jealousy was caused by a mood of depression. This was the result of the drowsiness and lassitude of the lover, and she rebuked him strongly. If the lover stayed on after this outburst, she continued railing him, and gesticulated in an angry manner. If at this juncture he professed his love for her, she showed signs of disgust. Later on, if he sent a *duti* with the intention of effecting reconciliation, she gave a cold shoulder to the messenger. She refused to acknowledge her lover's letters and if he met her and asked her questions, she showed her disapproval by merely shaking her head. If he kept boasting about his love escapades, she threw away her bracelets, bangles and started weeping.