_Cherubino_ [_running to the window, then coming back_]--The window isn't so very high. _Susanna_ [_frightened and holding him back_]--He'll kill himself! _Cherubino_--Ah, Susie, I'd rather jump into a gulf than put the Countess in danger. [_He snatches a kiss, then runs to the window, hesitates, and finally jumps down into the garden._] _Susanna_--Ah! [_She falls fainting into an arm-chair. Recovering slowly, she rises, and seeing Cherubino running through the garden she comes forward panting._] He's far away already! ... Little scamp! as nimble as he is handsome! [_She next runs to the dressing-room._] Now, Count Almaviva, knock as hard as you like, break down the door. Plague take me if I answer you. [_Goes into the dressing-room and shuts the door._] [_Count and Countess return._] _Count_--Now, Madame, consider well before you drive me to extremes. _Countess_--I--I beg of you--! _Count_ [_preparing to burst open the door_]--You can't cajole me now. _Countess_ [_throwing herself on her knees_]--Then I will open it! Here is the key. _Count_--So it is _not_ Susanna? _Countess_--No, but it's no one who should offend you. _Count_--If it's a man I kill him! Unworthy wife! You wish to stay shut up in your room--you shall stay in it long enough, I promise you. _Now_ I understand the note--my suspicions are justified! _Countess_--Will you listen to me one minute? _Count_--Who is in that room? _Countess_--Your page. _Count_--Cherubino! The little scoundrel!--just let me catch him! I don't wonder you were so agitated. _Countess_--I--I assure you we were only planning an innocent joke. [_The Count snatches the key, and goes to the dressing-room door; the Countess throws herself at his feet._] _Countess_--Have mercy, Count! Spare this poor child; and although the disorder in which you will find him-- _Count_--What, Madame? What do you mean? What disorder? _Countess_--He was just changing his coat--his neck and arms are bare-- [_The Countess throws herself into a chair and turns away her head._] _Count_ [_running to the dressing-room_]--Come out here, you young villain! _Count_ [_seeing Susanna come out of the dressing-room_]--Eh! Why, it _is_ Susanna! [_Aside._] What, a lesson! _Susanna_ [_mocking him_]--"I will kill him! I will kill him!" Well, then, why don't you kill this mischievous page? _Count_ [_to the Countess, who at the sight of Susanna shows the greatest surprise_]--So _you_ also play astonishment, Madame? _Countess_--Why shouldn't I? _Count_--But perhaps she wasn't alone in there. I'll find out. [_He goes into the dressing-room._] _Countess_--- Susanna, I'm nearly dead. _Count_ [_aside, as he returns_]--No one there! So this time I really am wrong. [_To the Countess, coldly._] You excel at comedy, Madame. _Susanna_--And what about me, sir? _Count_--And so do you. _Countess_--Aren't you glad you found her instead of Cherubino? [_Meaningly._] You are generally pleased to come across her.