You heard?

[To Florio.]

Come forth—she's at the threshold.

Florio

Bid her wait.
Give me space for thought ... a little space....
This is almost as horrible as her death....

[Long silence. The women wait.... Groaning within. Olivia starts forward to go to Florio.]

Violante [to Olivia]

Do you flinch now? I knew you would not dare!

[Olivia stops. Proudly she remains still.]

Violante [as arras stirs]