LULU. I've got to change again now. ESCERNY. But your maid isn't here? LULU. I can do it quicker alone. Where did you say Dr. Schön was sitting? ESCERNY. I saw him in the left parquet-box farthest back. LULU. I've still five costumes before me now; dancing-girl, ballerina, queen of the night, Ariel, and Lascaris.... (She goes behind the Spanish screen.) ESCERNY. Would you think it possible that at our first meeting I expected nothing more than to make the acquaintance of a young lady of the literary world?... (He sits at the left of the centre table, and remains there to the end of the scene.) Have I perhaps erred in my judgment of your nature, or did I rightly interpret the smile which the thundering storms of applause called forth on your lips? That you are secretly pained at the necessity of profaning your art before people of doubtful disinterestedness? (Lulu makes no answer.) That you would gladly exchange at any moment the shimmer of publicity for a quiet, sunny happiness in distinguished seclusion? (Lulu makes no answer.) That you feel in yourself enough dignity and high rank to fetter a man to your feet--in order to enjoy his utter helplessness?... (Lulu makes no answer.) That in a comfortable, richly furnished villa you would feel in a more fitting place than here,--with unlimited means, to live completely as your =own mistress=? (Lulu steps forth in a short, bright, pleated petticoat and white satin bodice, black shoes and stockings, and spurs with bells at her heels.) LULU. (Busy with the lacing of her bodice.) If there's just one evening I don't go on, I dream the whole night that I'm dancing and feel the next day as if I'd been racked. ESCERNY. But what difference could it make to you to see before you instead of this mob =one= spectator, specially elect? LULU. That would make no difference. I don't see anybody anyway. ESCERNY. A lighted summer-house--the splashing of the water near at hand.... I am forced in my exploring-trips to the practise of a quite inhuman tyranny-- LULU. (Putting on a pearl necklace before the mirror.) A good school! ESCERNY. And if I now long to deliver myself unreservedly into the power of a woman, that is a natural need for relaxation.... Can you imagine a greater life-happiness for a woman than to have a man entirely in her power? LULU. (Jingling her heels.) Oh yes! ESCERNY. (Disconcerted.) Among cultured men you will find not one who doesn't lose his head over you. LULU. Your wishes, however, no one will fulfill without deceiving you. ESCERNY. To be deceived by a girl like you must be ten times more enrapturing than to be uprightly loved by anybody else. LULU. You have never in your life been uprightly loved by a girl! (Turning her back to him and pointing.) Would you undo this knot for me? I've laced myself too tight. I am always so excited getting dressed. ESCERNY. (After repeated efforts.) I'm sorry; I can't. LULU. Then leave it. Perhaps I can. (Goes left.)