ACT IV.
Scene.—Garden belonging to the Countess. Lustucru enters with a large bag and heavy cane.
Lustucru (meditatively). At length my decision is made. Moumouth, the charming cat, shall go into this bag, and I, Lustucru, shall beat him to death. Ah! he shall not escape me again. Michel goes for a walk; I seize Moumouth; I tie him in this bag; and then—oh, then he shall die. I could fly for joy when I think of it. Michel will not have her five hundred francs, and perhaps she will be discharged. Dearest Moumouth, how grateful I ought to be to you for bringing me such joy!
Solo.—Lustucru.
Tune—"Then you'll remember me." Bohemian Girl. Balfe.
When other cats and other pets
Around me sweetly rove,
When other objects dear to me,
Appeal unto my love,
At such times then will my heart,
In joyful throbbing be,
Turned thankfully to Moumouth dead:
Oh! I'll remember thee—
Oh! I'll remember, I'll remember thee!
[Exit Lustucru. Enter almost immediately Michel attired for a walk.]
Michel. I thought I heard Lustucru here? Well, I was mistaken. I was going to leave Moumouth in his care—but no matter. Moumouth rests peacefully under yon lilac bush. Dear Cat, how sweet is his repose! I will sing softly as I go; so perchance in his dreams he may hear my song.
Solo.—Michel.
Tune—"Serenade to Ida." Weingand.