NAEKA (reluctantly.) I am your father's favorite (smiling) but I am young enough to be your love-mate. (PURAN still more perplexed.) Puran, why are you silent, why do you not talk to me? (She puts her arm in his, caressing his hand, draws closer to his face.) Puran, have you ever known, or heard, or seen, the outburst of the heart's volcano? (PURAN rises; she rises also and holds his hands.) Think what you will, say what you will, but let once my lips touch yours; what will be, will be. (She throws her arms around him and kisses him; sees the MAHARAJA coming behind PURAN. She loosens her hold and pretends to be fainting. PURAN leaves hurriedly, not seeing his father.)