MADAM POTIPHAR. Sir, you are insolent. No, no—I mean, my friend, you are very rude.
JOSEPH. Thank you for making the distinction. And now, since we are to treat each other as equals and friends, I beg you—(he takes some small objects from his wallet and holds them out in his hand)—to take these hairpins, which are the mementos of your various visits to my room. As a slave, no suspicion, of course, could attach to me in connection with a lady of your rank. But as equals and friends, we both have our reputations to preserve.
MADAM POTIPHAR. (taking them) Thank you.(She restores them to her hair.) I lose them everywhere I go. They fall out every time I speak. They mean nothing whatever.
JOSEPH. It is unnecessary to explain that to me. I am perfectly aware of the fact.
MADAM POTIPHAR. You are perfectly aware of everything, aren't you,
Joseph?
JOSEPH. Everything that it is to my interest to be aware of, madam.
MADAM POTIPHAR. No—there is one thing you don't know, and I am going to tell you.
JOSEPH. Proceed, madam.
He takes the coin from the table.
MADAM POTIPHAR. (coming close to him and looking boldly into his eyes) Can't you guess?