Countess--There's no one here, you see.
The Count--But who are you talking to then?
Countess--To you, I suppose. [To Cherubino.] Hide yourself, quick--in the dressing-room!
Cherubino--Ah, after this morning, he'd kill me if he found me here.
[He runs into the dressing-room on the right, which is also Susanna's room; the Countess, after locking him in and taking the key, admits the Count.]
Count--You don't usually lock yourself in, Madame.
Countess--I--I--was gossiping with Susanna. She's gone. [Pointing to her maid's room.]
Count--And you seem very much agitated, Madame.
Countess--Not at all, I assure you! We were talking about you. She's just gone--as I told you.
Count--I must say, Madame, you and I seem to be surrounded by spiteful people. Just as I'm starting for a ride, I'm handed a note which informs me that a certain person whom I suppose far enough away is to visit you this evening.