ROSALBA. I will fetch her, Reverend Mother.
ABBESS. One moment. You have observed her of late?
ROSALBA. Yes, Mother.
ABBESS. She seems pale, and not so strong as she was. And her mind--but then she was always a simple child.
ROSALBA. Of course, I do not know the cause of her pallor. Perhaps a penance she is undergoing secretly.
[_The suggestion is half a question as are those of the Abbess as well._]
She is still very young, Reverend Mother.
ABBESS. She has confided nothing to you, nor to Grimana?
ROSALBA. Not to me, Mother. Shall I call Sister Grimana?
ABBESS. No. Send Benvenuta to me. And ask Grimana to send the novice Atalanta also--a little later.
[_Rosalba goes out. The Abbess goes over and examines the Sacristy Closet door, tries the lock, finds it fast, and returns to her chair. Benvenuta enters. She is more pale than before, and looks frailer, and her limp is more apparent, but her eyes are wide, and rove about the room, and her expression is of one who has found her happiness. The Abbess speaks to her kindly._]
ABBESS. My child, I have called you to me because you have seemed so pale, and I fear you have burdened yourself beyond your strength.
BENVENUTA. No, Reverend Mother. I am not burdened.
ABBESS. You are not performing any secret penance?
BENVENUTA. None, Mother.
ABBESS. Answer me truly, Benvenuta. You have not been contemplating some penance, and so been filled with anxiety.
BENVENUTA. I look for no penance in this life, Reverend Mother, beyond such as may be imposed upon me.
ABBESS. Nothing beyond your strength will be imposed. If you have need of more sleep, I would be willing to relax for you, for a time.
BENVENUTA. I do not need it, Reverend Mother.
[_Atalanta enters, sees the Abbess, and stands waiting._]
ABBESS. If you should find yourself overburdened, little Sister, come to me. That will do. Atalanta, one moment.
[_Atalanta steps forward. Benvenuta starts to go, but lingers._]
I shall need your help with the lute to-night. I know you play it well.
The best lute player among the lay sisters is ill. You can play from notes?
ATALANTA. If it be not too difficult, Reverend Mother.
ABBESS. It is simple. But I will have them give you the music, against the time when you will be needed.
[_The Abbess goes out toward the Chapel. Benvenuta comes down to Atalanta._]
BENVENUTA. Atalanta, dear!
ATALANTA. Yes, Benvenuta.
BENVENUTA. There is something I must talk to you about. I have put it off because I have been deep in my own thoughts. You told me not so long ago that you could not find your call, that the world still beckoned you.
ATALANTA. Yes, it did. But I have been calmer since we spoke of it.
There was a thing in my heart that had to be spoken out--
BENVENUTA. Yes.
ATALANTA. I spoke it out to you, and since then it has not troubled me.
BENVENUTA. It was about the vinedresser"s baby in your father"s garden?
ATALANTA. Yes.
BENVENUTA. You told me about it here--in this room, was it not?
ATALANTA. Yes. Surely it was here. How strangely you speak, Benvenuta.
Have you forgotten? It was after that you asked me to get the gold thread, and the child"s coat.
BENVENUTA. So I did. I had almost forgotten it.
ATALANTA. It was a great comfort to me to tell you, Sister--and to serve you. Why have you asked nothing more of me?
BENVENUTA. I have all the help I need, now.
[_A pause. Atalanta looks at Benvenuta wonderingly._]
The vinedresser"s baby--did you ever hold him in your arms?
ATALANTA. No.
BENVENUTA. Nor ever felt his lips soft and moist against your cheek, nor his fingers warm on your neck?
ATALANTA. No. I only saw the child, as I told you.
BENVENUTA. I remember now. You only saw him.
[_Another pause. Benvenuta is looking toward the Sacristy closet._]
Atalanta, dear, do you know that we can only be happy by pleasing those we love most--that is what people live for, I think. And dear, remember this: the happiness you saw on the face of the vinedresser"s wife was as torment beside the joy that is glowing in me.
[_Her eyes meet Atalanta"s for a moment._]