FLORA Oh …

DAS As for the Rajah and the Resident, I am sure they knew before anybody. A letter from England to Mr Coomaraswami would certainly be opened.

FLORA Oh …

Das is embarrassed by her tears.

DAS You must not blame yourself. Please.

FLORA Oh, Mr Das … I’m so glad … and so sorry. How idiotic I am. Have you got a hanky?

DAS Yes … certainly …

FLORA Thank you. And now I have made you walk. Leave everything here.

DAS It is not far and the moon is rising, I can manage everything without difficulty.

He brings the easel and his box on to the verandah and returns for the canvas.

FLORA Mr Das. Don’t take it. (Pause) If it is still a gift, I would like to keep it, just as it is.

DAS Unfinished?

FLORA Yes. To remind me of my friend and fellow artist Nirad Das. Your handkerchief smells faintly of … something nice.

DAS The portrait is yours, if you would like it, of course. I must take it off the stretcher for you, or it will not travel easily in your luggage. Perhaps I can find a knife in the kitchen, to take out the little nails.

FLORA There are scissors on the table.

DAS Ah, yes. Thank you. No—I think I would damage them. May I call Nazrul?

FLORA I thought—

DAS Yes—Mr Coomaraswami sent him away. He is suspicious of everyone. I’m sorry.

FLORA It doesn’t matter. (A power cut. All the lights go out. The scene continues in moonlight.) Oh! The electricity again!

DAS Yes. It is Jummapur, I’m afraid.

FLORA Never mind.

DAS Will we meet again?

FLORA Perhaps, if I come back this way. I must be in Bombay by July the 10th at the latest. My ship sails on the 11th.

DAS You may take a later ship.

FLORA No, I cannot. My sister … oh, you’ll be horrified, but never mind—my sister is having a baby in October.

DAS That is joyful news.

FLORA Oh good.

DAS Miss Crewe … actually, I have brought something to show you which I have made … If we are friends again … I would like you to see it.

FLORA Then I would like to see it.

Das takes a small watercolour out of his pocket.

DAS I can light the lamp.

FLORA There is enough light. Mr Coomaraswami was quite right about the moon. (Flora unwraps the paper.) It’s going to be a drawing, isn’t it? … Oh!

DAS (Nervous, bright) Yes! A good joke, is it not? A Rajput miniature, by Nirad Das!

FLORA (Not heeding him) Oh … it’s the most beautiful thing …

DAS (Brightly) I’m so pleased you like it! A quite witty pastiche—

FLORA (Heeding him now) Are you going to be Indian? Please don’t.

DAS (Heeding her) I … I am Indian.

FLORA An Indian artist.

DAS Yes.

FLORA Yes. This one is for yourself.

DAS Yes. You are not offended?