_Bartolo_ [_bringing an arm-chair_]--Wait a minute, my child. Sit down here. She can't take a lesson this evening, Señor: you must postpone it. Good-by. _Rosina_ [_to the Count_]--No, wait; my pain is better. [_To Bartolo_.] I feel that I've acted foolishly! I'll imitate you, and atone at once by taking my lesson. _Bartolo_--Oh! Such a kind little woman at heart! But after so much excitement, my child, I can't let you make any exertion. So good-bye, Señor, good-bye. _Rosina_ [_to the Count_]--Do wait a minute! [_To Bartolo_.] I shall think that you don't care to please me if you won't let me show my regret by taking my lesson. _Count_ [_aside to Bartolo_]--I wouldn't oppose her, if I were you. _Bartolo_--That settles it, my love: I am so anxious to please you that I shall stay here all the time you are practicing. _Rosina_--No, don't. I know you don't care for music. _Bartolo_--It _will_ charm me this evening, I'm sure. _Rosina [aside to the Count_]--I'm tormented to death! _Count [taking a sheet of music from the stand_]--Will you sing this, Madame? _Rosina_--Yes, indeed--it's a very pretty thing out of the opera 'The Useless Precaution.' _Bartolo_--Why do you _always_ sing from 'The Useless Precaution'? _Count_--There is nothing newer! It's a picture of spring in a very bright style. So if Madame wants to try it-- _Rosina [looking at the Count_]--With pleasure. A picture of spring is delightful! It is the youth of nature. It seems as if the heart always feels more when winter's just over. It's like a slave who finds liberty all the more charming after a long confinement. _Bartolo [to the Count_]--Always romantic ideas in her head! _Count [in a low tone_]--Did you notice the application? _Bartolo_--Zounds! _[He sits down in the chair which Rosina has been occupying. Rosina sings, during which Bartolo goes to sleep. Under cover of the refrain the Count seizes Rosina's hand and covers it with kisses. In her emotion she sings brokenly, and finally breaks off altogether. The sudden silence awakens Bartolo. The Count starts up, and Rosina quickly resumes her song_.] * * * * * _[Don Basilio enters. Figaro in background_.] _Rosina [startled, to herself_]--Don Basilio! _Count [aside]_--Good Heaven! _Figaro_--The devil! _Bartolo [going to meet him_]--Ah! welcome, Basilio. So your accident was not very serious? Alonzo quite alarmed me about you. He will tell you that I was just going to see you, and if he had not detained me-- _Basilio [in astonishment_]--Señor Alonzo? _Figaro [stamping his foot_]--Well, well! How long must I wait? Two hours wasted already over your beard--Miserable business! _Basilio [looking at every one in amazement_]--But, gentlemen, will you please tell me-- _Figaro_--You can talk to him after I've gone. _Basilio_--But still, would--