Trast. (To Robert) Stay where you are. I have something to say to the manager first. (To Leonore) For ten years, he has been singing your praises; shouldn't you take the trouble to listen to ten minutes' praise of me?
Leonore. (Shaking her finger at Trast) You are an old rogue!
Trast. A rogue in your own service! (He goes out)
Leonore. (Taking Robert's hand) At last I have you here again!
Robert. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for those words.
Leonore. Oh, how polite we are!--My words aren't alms! Come here, (Leads him to the fireplace) Sit down--here by the fire--beside me. You mustn't freeze in cold Germany!--Wait, I'll start up the fire! (She blows with the bellows) These fireplaces are--impractical things--most impractical, but anyway we can chat in front of it. In India you don't need fireplaces, do you? (To herself) I'm so happy!--Oh, I'm glad to see you again. And now, out with the "but" that you have up your sleeve. I'll parry it.
Robert. Don't make my heart too heavy.
Leonore. That's the last thing I want to do.
Robert. But that's what you're doing when you conjure up this ghost of a happiness that is now forever buried.
Leonore. Oh, if you were only as you used to be.