RODRIGO. Hm, madam countess—(Geschwitz starts and shrinks.) Do I look as dangerous as that? (To himself.) I must make a bon mot. (Aloud.) May I perhaps make so bold—
GESCHWITZ. You can go to the devil!
CASTI-PIANI. (As he leads Lulu in.) Permit me a word or two.
LULU. (Not noticing Rodrigo who presses his note into her hand.) Oh, as many as you like. (Rodrigo bows and goes out, rear.)
CASTI-PIANI. (To Geschwitz.) Leave us alone!
LULU. (To Casti-Piani.) Have I hurt you again in any way?
CASTI-PIANI. (Since Geschwitz does not stir.) Are you deaf? (Geschwitz, sighing deeply, goes out, rear.)
LULU. Just say straight out how much you want.
CASTI-PIANI. With money you can no longer serve me.
LULU. What makes you think that we have no more money?