_Count_--I must say, Madame, you and I seem to be surrounded by spiteful people. Just as I'm starting for a ride, I'm handed a note which informs me that a certain person whom I suppose far enough away is to visit you this evening. _Countess_--The bold fellow, whoever he is, will have to come here, then; for I don't intend to leave my room to-day. [_Something falls heavily in the dressing-room where Cherubino is._] _Count_--Ah, Madame, something dropped just then! _Countess_--I didn't hear anything. _Count_--You must be very absent-minded, then. Somebody is in that room! _Countess_--Who do you think could be there? _Count_--Madame, that is what I'm asking _you_. I have just come in. _Countess_--Probably it's Susanna wandering about. _Count [pointing]_--But you just told me that she went that way. _Countess_--This way or that--I don't know which. _Count_--Very well, Madame, I must see her.--Come here, Susanna. _Countess_--She cannot. Pray wait! She's but half dressed. She's trying on things that I've given her for her wedding. _Count_--Dressed or not, I wish to see her at once. _Countess_--I can't prevent your doing so anywhere else, but here-- _Count_--You may say what you choose--I _will_ see her. _Countess_--I thoroughly believe you'd like to see her in that state! but-- _Count_--Very well, Madame. If Susanna can't come out, at least she can talk. [_Turning toward the dressing-room._] Susanna, are you there? Answer, I command you. _Countess_ [_peremptorily_]--Don't answer, Susanna! I forbid you! Sir, how can you be such a petty tyrant? Fine suspicions, indeed! [_Susanna slips by and hides behind the Countess's bed without being noticed either by her or by the Count._] _Count_--They are all the easier to dispel. I can see that it would be useless to ask you for the key, but it's easy enough to break in the door. Here, somebody! _Countess_--Will you really make yourself the laughing-stock of the chateau for such a silly suspicion? _Count_--- You are quite right. I shall simply force the door myself. I am going for tools. _Countess_--Sir, if your conduct were prompted by love, I'd forgive your jealousy for the sake of the motive. But its cause is only your vanity. _Count_--Love _or_ vanity, Madame, I mean to know who is in that room! And to guard against any tricks, I am going to lock the door to your maid's room. You, Madame, will kindly come with me, and without any noise, if you please. [_He leads her away._] As for the Susanna in the dressing-room, she will please wait a few minutes. _Countess_ [_going out with him_]--Sir, I assure you-- _Susanna_ [_coming out from behind the bed and running to the dressing-room_]--Cherubino! Open quick! It's Susanna. [_Cherubino hurries out of the dressing-room._] Escape--you haven't a minute to lose! _Cherubino_--Where can I go? _Susanna_--I don't know, I don't know at all! but do go somewhere!