Gerardo. If the girl had been as beautiful and youthfully fresh as you.
Miss Cœurne. If—
Gerardo. If she had heard me only once in "Tannhäuser."
Miss Cœurne [indignant]. If she were as respectable as I am!
Gerardo [pointing to the piano]. Before saying good-by to me, child, have a look at all those flowers. May this be a warning to you in case you feel tempted again to fall in love with a singer. See how fresh they all are. And I have to let them wither, dry up, or I give them to the porter. And look at those letters. [He takes a handful of them from a tray.] I don't know any of those women. Don't worry; I leave them all to their fate. What else could I do? But I'll wager with you that every one of your lovely young friends sent in her little note.
Miss Cœurne. Well, I promise not to do it again, not to hide myself behind your curtains. But don't send me away.
Gerardo. My time, my time, dear child. If I were not on the point of taking a train! I have already told you, I am very sorry for you. But my train leaves in twenty-five minutes. What do you expect?
Miss Cœurne. A kiss.
Gerardo [stiffening up]. From me?
Miss Cœurne. Yes.