Zoraya. I should die first!
Aisha. Allah! Allah! listen to her—Where is there a love that has made any one reasonable! All these nights I have been there, I, cowering on my couch waiting and listening and trembling at the least noise. And you can be happy—you—with such a menace hanging over you!—What folly!
Zoraya. (Rising and putting away the cards) You do not understand anything, poor Aisha! To love without peril is beautiful—it is the common kind of love. But the kind that is outlawed, accursed and condemned at its beginning—the love that braves all perils, that defies death, that brings the bitter-sweet of forbidden kisses and maddening embraces during which it is said, “This may be the last!”—that is love!—that is love!
Aisha. (Groaning) Ah!
Zoraya. Be silent! This time it is his step. (She runs to the door at the left and opens it) It is he!—Ah! it is he!—It is he!
Enrique appears on the threshold of the little door.
Zoraya. Finally—Ah! God!—At last! at last! (To Aisha as she passes Enrique to fasten the little door) Watch carefully. (After fastening the draperies, Aisha goes into the garden.)
Scene Four
Zoraya, Enrique
Zoraya. (To Enrique) Your heart beats!—You have been running?