[_Still searching._

O slave, say to her, but I could not for--
For--for a lady by the marble knight,
That is, by the fountain, swooned, as I came in.
And then--

_Smarda._ Swooned!

_Pietro._ As I came!

_Smarda_ (_a-quiver_). Beside the fount?
Who? which? lady Yolanda? lady Berengere?

[_He stares at her ardour._

Did no one say?... My mistress must know this!
The papers, quickly!

_Pietro._ Slave, you----! By my sins!

[_She has seized them swiftly, and gone. He follows
amazed. Then sunset begins without, crimson and
far; and_ AMAURY _appears from the loggia,
reckless and worn. He pauses, looks about him,
troubled._

_Amaury._ Not here yet.... There is more in this than seems.

[_Goes to divan and sits._ VITTIA _enters behind._

More, Camarin of Paphos, than is clear!

[_Starts up._

And she must tell me! (_Sees_ VITTIA.) Lady, you I mean.

[VITTIA _advances inquiringly._

What is beyond this shame upon Yolanda?

_Vittia._ My lord----?

_Amaury._ What! It is moving in me clouded,
Deeper than sight but pressing at my peace.
My father's look! you saw it!

_Vittia._ Ah!

_Amaury._ And saw
Fear in my mother!

_Vittia._ Yes, implanted deep.

_Amaury._ And did not wonder?

_Vittia_ (_sits_). When I knew its source?
No need, my lord--though your pang too I marked--
For, trust me, ere to-morrow all will cease--
If you are firm.

_Amaury._ I? who know nought? In what?

_Vittia._ That do not ask, I pray. (_Deftly._) Another could
Fitly reply, but I----

_Amaury._ No other better!

_Vittia._ Then ... it will cease, my lord--
So as a flail of doubt it should not still
Beat in you--when Yolanda
Is wed with Camarin ... no, do not speak;
The reason for your sake I must withhold.

_Amaury._ Though as under sirocco I am kept.

[_Sits._

Sirocco!... It is unintelligible!

[_Rises. A pause._

Yet you speak gently.

_Vittia._ No; unblushingly!

[_He looks surprised._

Unblushingly to one who knows--t