The Counterplot

by Hope Mirrlees

With a caper so brave

Leaps up from the grave.

They all jump up laughing. Dennys stares at Sister Assumcion with a bold and, at the same time, dazzled admiration. The sun seems suddenly to shine more brightly upon them and the children. Sister Pilar is in the shadow.

SCENE III

Nine o’clock in the evening of the same day. The convent’s orange orchard. From the chapel is wafted the voices of the nuns singing Compline. A horse whinnies from the other side of the orchard wall.

Don Manuel de Lara (who all through this scene is at the other side of the wall and hence invisible): Whist! Muza! Whist, my beauty! (sings):

Ave Maria gloriosa

Virgen Santa, preciosa,

Cómo eres piadosa