Cherubino--Ah, Susie, I'd rather jump into a gulf than put the Countess in danger. [He snatches a kiss, then runs to the window, hesitates, and finally jumps down into the garden.]
Susanna--Ah! [She falls fainting into an arm-chair. Recovering slowly, she rises, and seeing Cherubino running through the garden she comes forward panting.] He's far away already! ... Little scamp! as nimble as he is handsome! [She next runs to the dressing-room.] Now, Count Almaviva, knock as hard as you like, break down the door. Plague take me if I answer you. [Goes into the dressing-room and shuts the door.]
[Count and Countess return.]
Count--Now, Madame, consider well before you drive me to extremes.
Countess--I--I beg of you--!
Count [preparing to burst open the door]--You can't cajole me now.
Countess [throwing herself on her knees]--Then I will open it! Here is the key.
Count--So it is not Susanna?
Countess--No, but it's no one who should offend you.
Count--If it's a man I kill him! Unworthy wife! You wish to stay shut up in your room--you shall stay in it long enough, I promise you. Now I understand the note--my suspicions are justified!