_Cherubino_--Yes, I was tightening the curb of my horse this morning, he curvetted and gave me a push with his head, and the bridle stud grazed my arm. _Countess_--I never saw a ribbon used as a bandage before. _Susanna_--Especially a _stolen_ ribbon. What may all those things be--the curb, the curvetting, the bridle stud? [_Glances at his arms_.] What white arms he has! just like a woman's. Madame, they are whiter than mine. _Countess_--Never mind that, but run and find me some oiled silk. [_Susanna goes out, after humorously pushing Cherubino over so that he falls forward on his hands. He and the Countess look at each other for some time; then she breaks the silence_.] _Countess_--I hope you are plucky enough. Don't show yourself before the Count again to-day. We'll tell him to hurry up your commission in his regiment. _Cherubino_--I already have it, Madame. Basilio brought it to me. [_He draws the commission from his pocket and hands it to her_.] _Countess_--Already! They haven't lost any time. [_She opens it._] Oh, in their hurry they've forgotten to add the seal to it. _Susanna [returning with the oiled silk]_--Seal what? _Countess_--His commission in the regiment. _Susanna_--Already? _Countess_--That's what I said. _Susanna_--And the bandage? _Countess_--Oh, when you are getting my things, take a ribbon from one of _your_ caps. [_Susanna goes out again_] _Countess_--This ribbon is of my favorite color. I must tell you I was greatly displeased at your taking it. _Cherubino_--That one would heal me quickest. _Countess_--And--why so? _Cherubino_--When a ribbon--has pressed the head, and--touched the skin of one-- _Countess [hastily]_--Very strange--then it can cure wounds? I never heard that before. I shall certainly try it on the first wound of any of--my maids-- _Cherubino [sadly]_--I must go away from here! _Countess_--But not for always? [_Cherubino begins to weep._] And now you are crying! At that prediction of Figaro? _Cherubino_--I'm just where he said I'd be. [_Some one knocks on the door_]. _Countess_--Who can be knocking like that? _The Count [outside]_--Open the door! _Countess_--Heavens! It's my husband. Where can you hide? _The Count [outside]_--Open the door, I say. _Countess_--There's no one here, you see. _The Count_--But who are you talking to then? _Countess_--To you, I suppose. [_To Cherubino._] Hide yourself, quick--in the dressing-room! _Cherubino_--Ah, after this morning, he'd kill me if he found me _here_. [_He runs into the dressing-room on the right, which is also Susanna's room; the Countess, after locking him in and taking the key, admits the Count._] _Count_--You don't usually lock yourself in, Madame. _Countess_--I--I--was gossiping with Susanna. She's gone. [_Pointing to her maid's room._] _Count_--And you seem very much agitated, Madame. _Countess_--Not at all, I assure you! We were talking about you. She's just gone--as I told you.