Abbe Filosi. Will you not excuse me?
Abbess [smiling]. Certainly not. What troubles you about it?
Abbe Filosi. Reverendissima, I would gladly have passed it in silence. Your wisdom in matters of the world—and of the Church—is greater than mine. But look you now. This Judith I think shows more of her bosom than is seemly.
Abbess [with asperity]. I will instruct you. By the laws on the serene Republic, a Venetian lady may show one-half of her bosom and no more, and there is no immodesty in the proceeding. This law the lady Judith obeys.
Abbe Filosi. I do not dissent from your wisdom, nor from the law of Venice. Still, it seems to me there would be more propriety in it if we were to have a collarette of tissue pinned about her—the eyes of all the novices, remember—
Abbess. I remember also our guests, many of them ladies of the first houses, who would certainly take it amiss, and as a reflection upon themselves—
Abbe Filosi. I wish with all my heart, Reverendissima, you had excused me.
Abbess [turning to Sister Sacristan]. I will ask the Sisters Grimana Emo and Rosalba Foscarini to examine the puppets.
[The Sister Sacristan goes out.]
Their learning in theology may not be profound, but they know the world's judgment, coming as they do of the first families.