A Voice—(Back in the house.) Yes.
Madam Valmy—(After a pause.) O auntie!
The Voice— Yes, child, yes.
I get this dough off. Rosa!
(From the right, Madam Bacqueur enters. She is bareheaded and carries a child in her arms.)
Madam Bacqueur— Every day
Some dark deed sends a shudder through all hearts.
Who is it this time?
Madam Valmy— No one seems to know.
It happened on the mountain, Rosa said.
Madam Bacqueur—I wonder if Father Benedict has returned?
Madam Valmy—Returned from where?
Madam Bacqueur— He rode away last night
Into the mountains. I do hope and pray—
(They stand looking left. From the right, Hugh Capet enters hurriedly. Reaching over the fence to the well he swings the bucket to his mouth.)