Countess. I must go immediately. Go, Michel, bring my bonnet and shawl, and order the carriage. [Exit Michel and returns, bringing shawl and bonnet.] And now, Michel, go bring Moumouth, my Cat, my charmer; let me once more embrace him.
Michel. Ah, madame, if you could spare him this sad parting! Think of his delicate nerves, his sensitive heart, and spare him this hour of agony. Believe me, he shall be well attended to for your sake, my loved mistress.
[They both weep violently.]
Countess. Yes, yes, I see the wisdom of this sacrifice, dear Michel. Moumouth shall not be broken-hearted by an anguished parting. Only care for him tenderly. And now, farewell.
Michel (overcome). Farewell, most beloved mistress, most beautiful Countess—
Countess. Hush; you will disturb Moumouth's watch of the rat hole, and bring him to witness this sad farewell. [Softly.]
Duo.—Countess and Michel.
Tune—"Silence."
Silence, silence—softly speak and sigh.
Silence, silence—softly speak and sigh.
There doth our Moumouth watching lie;
There (pointing the other way) must we go without good-by.
Silence, silence—disturb him not, I pray.
Softly tread, softly tread, with footsteps soft and low.
[Repeat.]
Hush! hush! [Repeat.]