Berengere. Then—
Yolanda. I pray, no more.
To-night I am flooded with a deeper tide
Than yet has flowed into my life—and through it
Sounds premonition: so I must have calm.
(She embraces Berengere; goes slowly up steps and off.)
Berengere (chilled). What fear—if it is fear—has so unfixed her?
It is suspicion—Then I must not meet
Him here to-night—or if to-night, no more.
Her premonition!—and my dream that I
Should with a cross bring her deep bitterness.
(Thinks a moment, then takes the crucifix from her neck.)
Had Renier but come, perhaps I might ...
(Lays it on table.)
O were I dead this sinning would awake me?...
And yet I care not (dully.) ... No, I will forget.
(Goes firmly from door to door and looks out each. Then lifts, uniting, the cross-shaped candlestick; and waving it at the loggia, turns holding it before her.)
Soon he will come up from the cool, and touch
Away my weakness with mad tenderness.
Soon he will ... Ah!