Gerardo. Of course not! Be sure not to let anybody come up here.
Valet. There were three ladies who asked for you, sir.
Gerardo. Don't you dare to let any one of them come up, whatever she may tell you.
Valet. And then here are some more letters.
Gerardo. Oh, all right. [The Valet places the letters on a tray.] And don't you dare to let any one come up.
Valet [at the door]. No, sir.
Gerardo. Even if she offers to settle a fortune upon you.
Valet. No, sir. [He goes out.]
Gerardo [singing]. "Isolde! Geliebte! Bist du...." Well, if women don't get tired of me—Only the world is so full of them; and I am only one man. Every one has his burden to carry. [He strikes a chord on the piano.]
[Prof. Duhring, dressed all in black, with a long white beard, a red hooked nose, gold spectacles, Prince Albert coat and silk hat, an opera score under his arm, enters without knocking.]