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84 A beggar saw her and ran along by the side of the palki asking for alms.

Kopal-Kundala said, "I have nothing; what can I give you?"

The beggar pointed to the few ornaments Kopal-Kundala had on, and said, "What, mother! There are diamonds and pearls on your body, and you say you have nothing?"

Kopal-Kundala said, "Will you be satisfied with the ornaments?"

The beggar was a little astonished; a beggar's hopes are unbounded. After a moment she replied, "Of course I shall be satisfied."

In the innocence of her heart Kopal-Kundala gave the beggar the ornaments, box and all. She also took off and gave her the ornaments she was wearing.

The beggar stood confused for a moment. The male and female servant had seen nothing. The hesitation of the beggar was but momentary. She looked in all directions, and hastily ran away with the ornaments. Kopal-Kundala wondered why the beggar had run away.