Young Wife

Oh, if I only could lie.

Young Man

Well, you’ll have to.

Young Wife

Everything for a man like you. Oh, come here … let me give you a last kiss. (She embraces him)—And now—leave me by myself, go in the other room.—I can’t dress, if you are around.

Young Man

(Goes into the drawing-room, where he dresses. He eats some pastry and drinks a glass of cognac)

Young Wife

(Calls after a while) Alfred!