Car. A woman sleeps not till her heart is safe.
My eyes shall not be closed till I ’ve your answer.
Lou. You have it, lady, and we beg you leave us.
Car. Leave! leave! O sir, it is a lie I hear! (Falls at his feet)
You did not say it! See! I kiss your feet! O sir—
Lou. (Withdrawing) You put us to discourtesy.
Since you will not withdraw, we leave you.
Car. (Leaping up) Coward!
Then, Louis Napoleon, Emperor of France!
Thou art a murderer, and I have kissed
The devil’s hoof! (Exit Napoleon)
(Carlotta stands dazed, looking after Napoleon. Puts her hand over her eyes. Count Charles goes to her)
Char. Dear madam, come with me. (She looks about bewildered)
One of her women. Your majesty,
We pray you come.
Car. (Strangely) Yes—yes— I ’ll go. Away!
(Exit with her attendants)