Enter from behind Trotaconventos, carrying a pedlar’s pack. Throughout the play she is dressed in scarlet.
Trotaconventos (in unctuous, mocking voice): Six hens to one cock! I verily believe that was the sight that made Adam weary in Eden. Holy hens and reverend cock, I bid you good morrow. (She catches Sister Assumcion’s eye and gives a little nod.)
The Nuns in chorus: Why, ’tis our good friend Trotaconventos!
First Nun: For shame! You have sorely neglected San Miguel these last days. What news in the town?
Third Nun: I hear the Ponces gave a tournament and bull-fight to celebrate a daughter’s wedding, and that the bridegroom was gored by the bull and the leeches despair of his recovery—is’t true?
Second Nun: What is the latest Moorish song?
First Nun: Have you been of late to the Alcazar? You promised to note for me if Doña Maria wore her gown cut square or in a peak?
Trotaconventos (covering her ears with her hands): Good ladies, you’ll have me deaf. And do you not think shame to ask about such worldly matters before your confessor, there ... and before Sister Pilar? (turning to Sister Pilar). Well, lady, and have the wings sprouted yet? But bear in mind the proverb that says, the ant grew wings to its hurt; and why? Because it took to flying and fell a prey to the birds.
The nuns exchange glances and giggle. Sister Pilar looks at her with cold disgust.