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The elders now turned to Visakhā who explained,
"My father-in-law has misunderstood the whole meaning. What my father intended to convey is that one should not discuss the affairs of the family with servants and maids. For, that may start a quarrel in her family. This is what he intended to convey through this aphorism".--
As śreșthi Mrgāra was fast losing his ground, he repeated one after another all the words that Sresthi Dhananjaya had given to his daughter at the time of her departure, He said,
"She may be innocent about the first aphorism; but what about the second ? Her father had said to her, 'Do not take fire from outside into the home'. Please tell me if such a maxim is practicable in life. When the fire in the home is extinguished, can you stick to this advice"?
Visakhā explained,
"My father did not mean that. He intended to convey that the lapses, shortcomings and errors of servants, and maids, as they come to one's notice, should not be discussed with other members of the family. For, in that case, they would lose faith in the servants".
śreşthi Mrgāra shouted, "But her father said so many other things. What did he mean? I want a complete explanation".
Visakhā started explaining,
"My father said, 'Give to those who are worthy; do not give to those who are not worthy'. These words were directed to beggars. Next he said, 'Give to both who are capable and incapable to make a return'. You see, even among our own people, all are not equally affluent. Some are rich and some are poor. So you understand the implication of his words. Next, he said, 'Sit comfortably', by which
