Algarcife started and looked up.
"It seems that the manager heard me sing one day when I was at my lesson. He liked my dramatic power, Signor Morani says. At any rate, one of his troupe has given out, and he offers me the part."
"But, Mariana—"
Mariana did not look at him, but went rapidly on, as if waiving possible objections.
"We need the money. It might take Isolde away—and it is a chance. I am so young, you see—and—"
"Mariana!" cried Algarcife, sharply. There was a note in his voice which caused her to shrink away as if he had struck her. "Mariana," he put out his hand in protest, "you shall not do it. I will not let you. I could not bear it."
Mariana tapped her foot upon the floor impatiently. "I believe it is a child's part," she said.
"You shall not do it," he said, passionately.
Mariana turned her eyes upon him.
"But the money?"