They were writ to _her_!

_Mauria._ To her? to whom? what are you saying? Read!
Read us the verses.

_Alessa._ No.

_Mauria._ Tell then his name
Who writes them, and to whom.

_Alessa._ I will not.

_Mauria._ Then
It is some guilt you hide!--And touching her
You dote on--lady Yolanda!

_Alessa._ Shame!

_Mauria._ Some guilt
Of one, then, in this castle!--See, her lips
Betray it is.

_Maga._ No, Mauria! no! no! (_holds her_) hush!

[_Forms appear without._

_Mauria._ O, loose me.

_Maga._ There, on the loggia! Hush, see--
Our lady and Sir Camarin.

_Alessa_ (_fearful_). It is....
They heard us, Maga?

_Maga._ No, but----

_Mauria_ (_to_ ALESSA). So? that mouse?

_Alessa._ You know not, Mauria, what thing you say.--
He is troubling her; be still.

[_Stepping out as_ BERENGERE _enters._

My lady?

_Berengere_ (_unwillingly_). Yes.
It is time, now, for your lamps,
And for your aves and o'erneeded sleep.
But first I'd know if yet lord Renier----

[_Sees_ ALESSA'S _face._

Why are you pale?

_Alessa._ I?

_Berengere._ So--and strange.

_Alessa._ We have
But put away the distaff and the needle.

CAMARIN _enters._

_Berengere._ The distaff and the needle--it may be.
And yet you do not seem----

_Alessa._ My lady--?

_Berengere._ Go.
And send me Hassan.

[_The women leave._

Camarin--you saw?
They were not as their wont is.

_Camarin._ To your eyes,
My Berengere, that apprehension haunts.
They were as ever. Then be done with fear!

_Berengere._ I cannot.

_Camarin._ To the abyss with it. To-night
Is ours--Renier tarries at Famagouste--
Is ours for love and for a long delight!

_Berengere._ Whose end may be--

_Camarin._ Dawn and the dewy lark!
And passing of all presage from you.

_Berengere_ (_sits_).