.

."] Delightful and refreshing is the bustling strain of the men.

The singers depart with soft exclamations of rapture called out by the contemplation of nature and thoughts of the Virgin Mother and Child in their hearts.

Comes Santuzza, sore distressed, to Mamma Lucia, to inquire as to the whereabouts of her son Turiddu.

Lucia thinks him at Francofonte; but Santuzza knows that he spent the night in the village.
In pity for the maiden's distress, Lucia asks her to enter her home, but Santuzza may not--she is excommunicate.