Sandip Babu, a leader of Swadeshi and a life-long friend of Nikhil, comes to town with his followers. Based on a photo Bimala saw, she initially distrusts him, thinking: “The light in his eyes somehow did not shine true.” She is frustrated that Nikhil assists Sandip unquestioningly. Once she hears him speak, however, she is won over. His words make her feel like “the sole representative of Bengal’s womanhood,” and Sandip “the champion of Bengal.”

Nikhil breaks the spell, telling Bimala that Sandip plans to leave soon. She wants him to stay an extra day so she can invite him to dinner. Bimala waits upon Sandip but is nervous to look him in the eye. In their conversation, Sandip singles out Bimala, calling her a “talisman.” Nikhil argues with Sandip, noting discrepancies between Sandip’s speeches and his behavior (such as using foreign medicine despite condescending foreign products).

Sandip worries that his arguments with Nikhil upset Bimala but continues to challenge Nikhil’s lack of devotion to the Nationalist movement. Sandip believes that anything is permissible when building the strength of one’s homeland. When asked, Bimala valorizes the nation, and Sandip exclaims: Women “will save the country.” Nikhil is embarrassed by his wife’s proclamations, and when Chandarath Babu, Nikhil’s teacher, arrives, Nikhil tells his wife to show “obeisance.”

Nikhil tries to defend himself against Bimala and Sandip. He has seen his wife change due to her political involvement and feels conflicted; he wishes to see her develop but worries about who she will become. Similarly, he explains that Bimala is much more passionate than he, so he worries she thinks him feeble.

Nikhil sees Sandip as “tyrannical” and “coarse.” However, he cannot make Bimala see the leader’s flaws. Chandarath advises Nikhil to arrange for Sandip’s departure, but Sandip claims he may need to work from “a centre” rather than traveling the country to speak to followers. Frustrated, Nikhil asks Bimala to go on a trip to the Himalayas, but she refuses, not wanting to leave Sandip or the Cause.

Sandip justifies greed as a necessary part of building pride and power in India. He describes his arguments with Nikhil, claiming his old friend is too metaphorical and needs to be more pragmatic. 

Sandip also acknowledges the power he seems to have over women. He takes pride in this effect, seeing women as both fervent followers and in touch with “reality” in a way that educated men are not. Finally, he recognizes an undeniable affinity between himself and Bimala.