Benvenuta. Dear little Great One, I see no way but this to keep my promise. I do not understand what the Holy Mother means. But I will do my penance when she determines it. I do sew very badly, dear little Great One, but I will make the stitches slowly, night by night in my cell, and every one of them, no matter how far askew, shall have all the love of my heart drawn tight in it. I have promised you a coat, little Great One, and I will surely keep my promise.
[She steals upstairs in the gathering darkness. The organ in the chapel is heard, faintly at first, then swelling in exultation. Slowly, after she disappears, the door of the closet opens of itself, and from within a golden light glows across the room and up the stair. The
Curtain Falls.]
[SCENE II. In her white-walled cell, with its one high window looking over the tree tops into the night sky, Benvenuta sits alone, sewing, with great labor and difficulty, by the light of a candle. There is a soft knock, and Atalanta slips in, bringing something concealed under her cape.]
Benvenuta. Have you brought it, dear?
Atalanta. I've got the coat of the gardener's child, but I fear it is not what you wanted.
Benvenuta. I'm sure it will serve. Why do you fear for it?
Atalanta. Because it's the little girl's coat. The boy's I could not get, for he has but the one, and the nights are so cold.
Benvenuta. So they are—and we wouldn't have the poor lad shivering. Perhaps the girl's will serve. Did you get the thread of gold?
Atalanta. Yes, dear.