-p-
Countess: So you've left me to breakfast alone again,
papa. Where have you been?
Count: quite far away. Rode out over Mauer and Rodaun.
It's wonderful out today. And what are you doing? Already working?
May I look at some of your work soon?
Countess: Oh yes, papa; but as usual, it's nothing but
flovers.
Count: Isn’t the professor coming today?
Countess: Yes, but not before one.
Count: Well, don't let me disturb you.
Countess: (throws him a diss and disappears into the studio.)
Count: (to the servant) Well, what do you want? Oh yes,
about the horses. I'm not going out anymore today. Joseph can
have the day off. Or, wait a moment. (Calls up) Oh, Mizzi...
Countess (appears on the balcony).
Count: Somnny to trouble you again Mizzi. Wouldn’t you like
to have the carriage today?
Countess: No, thanks, papa. Itreally don't....No thanks.
(Disappears again.)
Count: Well, that’s how it stands. Joseph may do what he
wishes this afternoon. And you...see that Franz gives the nag a
good [?] de were a little fifty today...both of us.
Servant (leaves)
Count: (sits down on the bench, picks up a newspaper that
has been lying on the table and read.)
Gardener: (enters) Good morning, your honor.
Count: Good morning, Peter. What is it?
Gardener: Please, your honor, I have just cut the tea-roses.
Count:
Gardener: But why so many?
Gardener: The bush is quite full. It would hardly be wise,
your honor, to leave them on the bush any longer. Perhaps your honor
could use them....
Count: Can't use them, Well, why d'you look at me like
that? I'm not going to town today. I don't need any bouquet. Put
theKlowers around in the vases and classes standing around iin the
house, as is the style nowadays. (Takes the flowers and smells them.
Seems deep in thought) Isn't that aIIarriageivtopping outside?
Gardener: These are his Excellency's black horses. I know