Atalanta. Your face was like hers, then.
Benvenuta. Please don't say that, dear. It's—it's foolish—isn't it? But I told you once I was waiting for something—all my life waiting. And now—and now!
[She touches Atalanta's head, lightly, and goes off upstairs toward her cell. Atalanta is left looking after her. Grimana comes in.]
Grimana. Well, mistress. Prideful over not sitting with the novices this night, eh? The lute-playing comes in well at last, does it?
Atalanta. Oh, Sister Grimana, I—
[She stops, confused.]
Grimana. What is it, child?
Atalanta. It's Benvenuta. Have you seen her? Have you?—
Grimana. Yes, dear, I've seen. She's young. These times come to all of us, I suppose. But they pass. Calm, child. Count your buttons.
Atalanta. I was frightened, Sister Grimana.