Sister Assumcion: She is never ailing.
Don Manuel de Lara (absently): Never ailing. You ... you know her well?
Sister Assumcion: Without doubt, a madman! I have told you that I know her but too well.
Don Manuel de Lara: On what does her talk turn?
Sister Assumcion: For the most part on our shortcomings. But her words are few.
Don Manuel de Lara (pulling himself together): Well, you would put me much in your debt if you would carry her this letter. It bears my credentials as her kinsman. I would speak with her at once, as I bear weighty news for her from her home.
Sister Assumcion: And why could you not come knocking at the porter’s lodge, as others do, and at some hour, too, before Compline, when ends the day of a religious?
Don Manuel de Lara: As to the porter’s lodge, I have my own key. And the news, I tell you, will not keep till morning. Handle that letter gingerly; it bears the king’s seal.
Sister Assumcion (awed): Don Pedro’s?
Don Manuel de Lara: Aye.