Paulo
(Looking.) And yet—? Lucia, this anxiety, this nervousness is strange to you. You use unaccustomed words. “Useless”! What can you mean?
Lucia
You would never be angry—you would not scold me, no matter what I might do—for your work’s sake?
Paulo
(Passionately.) You have such darling moods. I love you. The work is ours, not mine. (Caresses her.) I understand so well. It is your love that makes you tremble for the work’s sake: the picture grows, the Competition Day comes nearer. It’s like the sea-tides rising—it affects you—I understand!
Lucia
Yes, yes. You always know. You’re always right. An inner tide seems rising in me as the time draws near. You understand my woman’s moods, and so forgive them.
Paulo