Grimana. Aye, you'll frighten the novices just so in your turn. But just the same, I wish she wouldn't—
[The Abbess reënters, as a bell strikes from the chapel. Rosalba comes on from the left, with two or three sisters.]
Abbess. It is time. Let us all proceed to the chapel.
[The Sister Sacristan carrying the lute and some music, enters from the chapel.]
Are all the sisters assembled?
Sister Sacristan. All save those who are here, and Sister Benvenuta.
Abbess. Please you, Sister Grimana, go for Benvenuta.
[Grimana goes up the stairs.]
Sister Sacristan. Here is the lute, Atalanta Badoer. The notes are clear, and the times you are to play them are written there.
Atalanta. My hands tremble so. I'm afraid I shall fail in it.