How old are you, please?

CRESPEL.

Who, me?

MIRACLE.

I am speaking to your child.

HOFFMAN (aside).

Antonia.

MIRACLE.

What age (he listens). Twenty!

CRESPEL.

What?

MIRACLE.

The Spring of life.

(He appears to feel the pulse.)

Let me see your hand!...

CRESPEL.

The hand.

MIRACLE (pulling out his watch).

Chut! let me count.

HOFFMAN (aside).

G.o.d! am I the plaything of a dream? Is it a ghost?

MIRACLE.

The pulse is unequal and fast, bad symptom. Sing.

CRESPEL (rising).

No, no, don't speak... don't have her sing.

(The voice of Antonia is heard.)

MIRACLE.

See her face brightens, her eyes are on fire; She carries her hand to her beating heart.

(He follows Antonia with his gestures. The door of her room closes quickly.)

CRESPEL.

What is he saying?

MIRACLE (rising).

It would be a pity truly To leave to death so fine a prey!

CRESPEL.

Shut up!

MIRACLE.

If you will accept my help, If you would save her days, I have there certain vials I keep in reserve.

(He takes vials from pocket which he makes sound like castanets.)

CRESPEL.

Shut up!

MIRACLE.