ALVA. Don't let yourself be misled by his grumpy growls. If you'll only be careful not to spend your strength before the last number begins— (Lulu steps out in a classical, sleeveless dress, white with a red border, a bright wreath in her hair and a basket of flowers in her hands.)
LULU. He doesn't seem to have noticed at all how cleverly you have used your performers.
ALVA. I won't blow in sun, moon and stars in the first act!
LULU. (Sipping.) You disclose me by degrees.
ALVA. I knew, though, that you knew all about changing costumes.
LULU. If I'd wanted to sell my flowers this way before the Alhambra café, they'd have had me behind lock and key right off the very first night.
ALVA. Why? You were a child!
LULU. Do you remember me when I entered your room the first time?
ALVA. You wore a dark blue dress with black velvet.
LULU. They had to stick me somewhere and didn't know where.