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.]