Paulo

(Absorbed.) Yet who should see it before the Competition Day?

Lucia

Of course, of course. Still I am anxious. Time is precious. (Poses.) Oh, how lovely the silk lies on me! Look! And am I right? (Whispers.) Paulo, I feel your brushes on my heart. Paint swiftly, beloved, swiftly.

Paulo

Beautiful! Perfect! Divine! There—just as you are now. Don’t move! Even your heart must stop!

Lucia

Madonna, help me!

Paulo