Kamandaki says, "Never say so. The commission is an office of love and
trust. If my friend's object is gained even at the expense of my life
and penances, I shall feel myself gratified."

The pupil asks "why is a stolen marriage intended?"

The priestess answers, "Nandana, a favourite of the king of Padmavati,
sues him for Malati. The king demands the maiden of her father. To evade
the anger of the king, this ingenious device has been adopted. Let the
world deem their union was the work of mutual passion only. So the king
and Nandan will be foiled. A wise man veils his projects from the
world." The pupil says, "I take Madhava to walk in the street in front
of the house of the minister Bhurivasu."

The priestess says,

"I have heard from Lavangika, the foster-sister of Malati, that Malati
has seen Madhava from the windows of her house.

Her waning form faithfully betrays the lurking care she now first learns
to suffer."

The pupil says, "I have heard that, to soothe that care, Malati has
drawn a picture of Madhava and has sent it through Lavangika to
Mandarika, her attendant."

The priestess perceives that Malati has done so with the object that the
picture would reach Madhava as Mandarika is in love with Kalahansa, the
servant of Madhava. Avalokita again says,