A couple of servants are seizing the opportunity to chat together in whispers.
Kamal Mani is sitting in her sleeping chamber at her ease, needle in hand, sewing at some canvas work, her hair all loose; no one about but Satish Babu, indulging in many noises.

Satish Babu at first tried to snatch away his mother's wool; but finding it securely guarded, he gave his mind to sucking the head of a clay tiger.

In the distance a cat with outstretched paws sits watching them both.

Her disposition was grave, her face indicated much wisdom and a heart void of fickleness.

She is thinking: "The condition of human creatures is frightful; their minds are ever given to sewing canvas, playing with dolls, or some such silly employment.