ACT I.
SCENE I.
The Studio of the SPAGNOLETTO. RIBERA at work before his canvas. MARIA seated some little distance behind him ; a piece of embroidery is in her hands, but she glances up from it incessantly toward her father with impatient movements.
MARIA.
Father !
(RIBERA, absorbed in his work, makes no reply ; she puts by her embroidery, goes toward him and kisses him gently. He starts, looks up at her, and returns her caress.)
RIBERA.
My child !
MARIA.
Already you forget,
Oh, heedless father ! Did you not promise me
To lay aside your brush to-day at noon,
And tell me the great secret ?
RIBERA.
Ah, t is true,
I am to blame. But it is morning yet ;
My child, wait still a little.
MARIA.
’T is morning yet!
Nay, it was noon one mortal hour ago.
