BERTUCCIO.
Thou hast not stirred abroad? [Suspiciously and eagerly.
FIORDELISA.
Only to vespers;
You said I might do that with good Brigitta
I never go forth or come in alone.
BERTUCCIO.
That's well. I grieve that thou should'st live so close,
But if thou knewest what poison's in the air,
What evil walks the streets, how innocence
Is a temptation, beauty but a bait
For desperate desires— No man, I hope,
Has spoken to thee?
FIORDELISA.
Only one.
BERTUCCIO (fiercely).
Ha! who?
FIORDELISA.
I know not. 'T was against my will.
BERTUCCIO (eagerly).
You gave
No answer?
FIORDELISA.
No, I fled.
BERTUCCIO (in the same tone).
He followed you?
FIORDELISA.
A gracious lady gave me kind protection,
And bade her train guard me safe home. Oh, father,
