Joana. Yes, poor girl, I know—but her crime——
Zoraya. You should quickly judge her as being the least guilty.—Implore for that unfortunate girl the mercy of the abbess, who will refuse you nothing on this, your nuptial day—Ask that this miserable creature be brought out of her living tomb, that she be given a cell where she may see a ray of sunlight, and that she be fed with other nourishment than bread and water, which increase the sufferings to which she is condemned. As for this today—Too late, we fear.
Joana. I shall request this as a favor.
Zoraya. You swear that you will?
Joana. Before God!
The distant bells again ring.
Zoraya. (Without rising) Those are your marriage bells, dear child. (Aisha assists Joana to rise) I hope that you will have good health, a happy and contented love and that your youth will be decked with flowers.
Joana leaves with Aisha, while Fatoum stops to kiss Zoraya’s hand.
Fatoum. Allah’s benediction upon you!
Fatoum goes out with Joana.