_Count_--You'd better be quiet, Basilio. Do you think you can inform him of anything new? I've told him that you sent me for the music lesson instead of coming himself. _Basilio [still more astonished]_--The music lesson! Alonzo! _Rosina [aside to Basilio]--Do_ hold your tongue, can't you? _Basilio_--She, too! _Count [to Bartolo]_--Let him know what you and I have agreed upon. _Bartolo [aside to Basilio]_--Don't contradict, and say that he is not your pupil, or you will spoil everything. _Basilio_--Ah! Ah! _Bartolo [aloud]_--Indeed, Basilio, your pupil has a great deal of talent. _Basilio [stupefied]_--My pupil! [_In a low tone_.] I came to tell you that the Count has moved. _Bartolo [low]_--I know it. Hush. _Basilio [low]_--Who told you? _Bartolo [low]_--He did, of course. _Count [low]_--It was I, naturally. Just listen, won't you? _Rosina [low to Basilio]_--Is it so hard to keep still? _Figaro [low to Basilio]_--Hum! The sharper! He is deaf! _Basilio [aside]_--Who the devil are they trying to deceive here? Everybody seems to be in it! _Bartolo [aloud]_--Well, Basilio--about your lawyer--? _Figaro_--You have the whole evening to talk about the lawyer. _Bartolo [to Basilio]_--One word; only tell me if you are satisfied with the lawyer. _Basilio [startled]_--With the lawyer? _Count [smiling]_--Haven't you seen the lawyer? _Basilio [impatient]_--Eh? No, I haven't seen the lawyer. _Count [aside to Bartolo]_--Do you want him to explain matters before her? Send him away. _Bartolo [low to the Count]_--You are right. [_To Basilio_.] But what made you ill, all of a sudden? _Basilio [angrily]_--I don't understand you. _Count [secretly slipping a purse into his hands]_--Yes: he wants to know what you are doing here, when you are so far from well? _Figaro_--He's as pale as a ghost! _Basilio_--Ah! I understand. _Count_--Go to bed, dear Basilio. You are not at all well, and you make us all anxious. Go to bed. _Figaro_--He looks quite upset. Go to bed. _Bartolo_--I'm sure he seems feverish. Go to bed. _Rosina_--Why did you come out? They say that it's catching. Go to bed. _Basilio [in the greatest amazement]_--I'm to go to bed! _All the others together_--Yes, you must. _Basilio [looking at them all]_--Indeed, I think I will have to withdraw. I don't feel quite as well as usual. _Bartolo_--We'll look for you to-morrow, if you are better. _Count_--I'll see you soon, Basilio. _Basilio [aside]_--Devil take it if I understand all this! And if it weren't for this purse-- _All_--Good-night, Basilio, good-night. _Basilio [going]_--Very well, then; good-night, _good-night_. [_The others, all laughing, push him civilly out of the room_.] FROM 'THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO' OUTWITTING A HUSBAND