Part 3 (1/2)

SACHEL.

I say you are. You are red in the face--I know it. Why were you up?

ROSA.

I was not up.

SACHEL.

I heard you! I heard you, and you cannot deceive me. Did I not lie awake until Rafael came home? It struck twelve as he went to his room.

It was not five minutes later when I hear steps along the hall--yes, I can hear steps, though the shoes be off! I heard steps, and then your door opened. Why do you stop? I heard your door open; what does it mean?

ROSA.

Do you mean that--that some one came--some one opened my door?

SACHEL.

Some one--some one! I mean you--you opened it--and you went downstairs. Why? What were you doing while you thought I slept?

ROSA.

I did not leave my room.

SACHEL.

And she will not lie for me! If you are honest, why does your voice tremble so? You were up, and why? If I miss anything;--do you want to be turned into the streets? [_He hears the noise of a window opening._]

Who's that? Some fresh enemy? I cannot move but some one's hand is raised against me! Enemies--enemies I cannot strike nor battle with--because I cannot see!

ROSA.

I--I am not your enemy!

SACHEL.

How do I know? Have I ever looked into your eyes? Ay, if I could look into them at this moment, G.o.d knows what I should find. You are not my enemy! Why, then, were you up last night prowling about my house--at midnight--when my son--when Rafael;--Rafael--? Come here! [_She comes to him._] Your hand! Was it Rafael? Did Rafael--? No, no, my beautiful boy--with such as you--an ugly, misshapen wench like you! [_Pause._]

Unless--unless they lied to me! Did not Esther sniff and say that you were white and thin, when we rescued you from pauperdom--when you were threatened with the streets--you thankless vagabond? They knew I would not have had you else! Rafael said that ”pretty” was no word for such a face as yours; did he mean that you were beautiful;--did he mean that? Your form--yes, your form! [_He pa.s.ses his hand over her._] Hold still! Do you fear an old blind wreck like me? Ay, you are like a Madonna, d.a.m.n you! Your face--hold still--your nose--[_he pa.s.ses his hand over her face_]--your brow--your chin;--they lied to me! You are beautiful! It _was_ Rafael!

ROSA.

What do you mean? I tell you I am not beautiful!

SACHEL.

Are you ugly? Do you swear you are ugly?

ROSA.