Benvenuta. I would have you set me to the making of a coat for the Holy Bambino, as I asked of you before.
Abbess. That would hardly be a penance. And, besides, you sew so badly.
Benvenuta. Yes, Mother. I sew badly. And it would not really be a penance.
[The Sister Sacristan comes in and takes from the closet some cloth and a reliquary or two. She lays them on the table, preparing them for work.]
Abbess. I will speak of this another time. Another time, little Sister.
[Benvenuta stands very still. The Abbess turns to the Sister Sacristan.]
What have you there?
Sister Sacristan. The fine lawn for the surplices for His Eminence.
Abbess. That can wait. I do not think it wise to leave the workroom alone while the relics are being done over.
[She stands in the doorway. The Sister Sacristan is about to follow, but notices Benvenuta and goes over ostentatiously to lock the closet; then she goes out after the Abbess. Benvenuta stands still and her eyes go from the closet to the cloth and takes up a piece of lawn, and carries it with her to the closet door.]