GERARDO. My time, my time, dear child. If I were not on the point of taking a train! I have already told you, I am very sorry for you. But my train leaves in twenty-five minutes. What do you expect? MISS COEURNE. A kiss. GERARDO [_stiffening up_]. From me? MISS COEURNE. Yes. GERARDO [_holding her around the waist and looking very serious_]. You rob Art of its dignity, my child. I do not wish to appear an unfeeling brute, and I am going to give you my picture. Give me your word that after that you will leave me. MISS COEURNE. Yes. GERARDO. Good. [_He sits at the table and autographs one of his pictures._] You should try to become interested in the operas themselves instead of the men who sing them. You would probably derive much greater enjoyment. MISS COEURNE [_to herself_]. I am too young yet. GERARDO. Sacrifice yourself to music. [_He comes down stage and gives her the picture._] Don't see in me a famous tenor but a mere tool in the hands of a noble master. Look at all the married women among your acquaintances. All Wagnerians. Study Wagner's works; learn to understand his _leit motifs_. That will save you from further foolishness. MISS COEURNE. I thank you. [_Gerardo leads her out and rings the bell. He takes up his piano score again. There is a knock at the door._] VALET [_coming in out of breath_]. Yes, sir. GERARDO. Are you standing at the door? VALET. Not just now, sir. GERARDO. Of course not! Be sure not to let anybody come up here. VALET. There were three ladies who asked for you, sir. GERARDO. Don't you dare to let any one of them come up, whatever she may tell you. VALET. And then here are some more letters. GERARDO. Oh, all right. [_The Valet places the letters on a tray._] And don't you dare to let any one come up. VALET [_at the door_]. No, sir. GERARDO. Even if she offers to settle a fortune upon you. VALET. No, sir. [_He goes out._] GERARDO [_singing_]. _"Isolde! Geliebte! Bist du...."_ Well, if women don't get tired of me--Only the world is so full of them; and I am only one man. Every one has his burden to carry. [_He strikes a chord on the piano._] [_Prof. Duhring, dressed all in black, with a long white beard, a red hooked nose, gold spectacles, Prince Albert coat and silk hat, an opera score under his arm, enters without knocking._] GERARDO. What do you want? DUHRING. Maestro--I--I--have--an opera. GERARDO. How did you get in? DUHRING. I have been watching for two hours for a chance to run up the stairs unnoticed. GERARDO. But, my dear good man, I have no time. DUHRING. Oh, I will not play the whole opera for you. GERARDO. I haven't the time. My train leaves in forty minutes. DUHRING. You haven't the time! What should I say? You are thirty and successful. You have your whole life to live yet. Just listen to your part in my opera. You promised to listen to it when you came to this city. GERARDO. What is the use? I am not a free agent--