(_Stirs, rubs his eyes, sits up suddenly, remains seated, and looks around_) Where am I?… Oh, yes … I actually went home with the woman, it seems… (_He rises quickly, notices her bed_) Oh, there she is… Queer, what sort of things can happen, even at my age. I haven’t the faintest notion, did they carry me up here? No… I remember—coming into the room… I was still awake then, or waked up … or … or maybe it’s only the room that reminds of something?… ’Pon my soul, yes, of course … it was yesterday I saw it… (_Looks at his watch_) What! yesterday, a couple of hours ago!—But, I knew, that something had to happen… I felt it in my bones … when I began to drink yesterday, I felt that … and what has happened?… Nothing… Or did there…? ’Pon my soul … for … for ten years it hasn’t happened to me that I don’t know… Well, let’s be honest at any rate, I was drunk… If I only knew since when… I remember perfectly when Bobby and I went into the all-night café, and … no, no… We left together … and then on the way… Yes, that’s it, Bobby and I rode in my carriage… But, why do I worry my brains about it? It doesn’t really matter. Let’s see that we get out of here. (_Rises. The lamp shakes_) Oh! (_Looks at the sleeping GIRL_) Well, she sleeps the sleep of the just. I don’t remember anything—but I’ll put the money on the table … and then, good-by… (_He stands in front of her, and looks at her for a considerable time_) If I didn’t know what she is! (_Studies her_) I’ve known many who didn’t look as virtuous even in their sleep. ’Pon my soul… Bobby would say again, I’m philosophizing, but the truth is, sleep makes all equal, so it seems to me—like its brother, death… Hm, I should like to know, whether… No, I’d remember that… No, no, I dropped like a log on the sofa right away … and nothing happened… It is unbelievable how much alike all women sometimes look… Well, let’s go (_He is about to go_) Oh, of course. (_He takes his wallet, and is about to take out a banknote_) GIRL (_Awakening_) Well … who’s there so early in the morning—? (_Recognizing him_) Good morning, sonny! COUNT Good morning. Have a good sleep? GIRL (_Stretching_) Oh, come here. Give me a little kiss. COUNT (_Bends down to her, considers, and draws back_) I was just going… GIRL Going? COUNT It’s really about time. GIRL You want to go away? COUNT (_Half-embarrassed_) Well… GIRL Well, good-by, you’ll come some other time. COUNT Yes, good-by. But, won’t you give me your hand? GIRL (_Reaches out her hand from under the cover_) COUNT (_Takes her hand, and kisses it mechanically, and becoming aware of it, he smiles_) Just as with a princess. Besides, if one only… GIRL Why do you look at me that way? COUNT If one only sees the head, as now … anyway, each and every one looks innocent when she first awakes … ’pon my soul, one might imagine almost anything, if the kerosene didn’t smell so… GIRL Yes, the lamps are always a nuisance. COUNT How old are you really? GIRL