_The Countess and the Page remain mute for a considerable time during which the Page looks at the Countess with great passion, though with the bashful side glances natural to his character--The Countess pretends not to observe him, and visibly makes several efforts to overcome her own feelings._) _Countess._ And--and--so--you--you are sorry--to leave us? _Page._ Ye--yes--Madam. _Countess._ (_Observing the Page’s heart so full that he is ready to burst into tears_) ’Tis that good-for-nothing Figaro who has frightened the child with his prognostics. _Page._ (_Unable to contain himself any longer_) N-o-o-o indee-ee-eed, Madam, I-I-am o-on-only-gri-ieved to part from-so dear a-La-a-ady. _Countess._ (_Takes out her handkerchief and wipes his eyes_) Nay, but don’t weep, don’t weep--Come, come, be comforted. (_A knocking is heard at the Countess’s chamber door_) Who’s there? (_In an authoritative tone._) _The Count speaks without._ _Count._ Open the door, my Lady. _Countess._ Heavens! It is the Count!--I am ruined!--If he finds the Page here after receiving Figaro’s anonymous Letter I shall be for ever lost!--What imprudence! _Count._ (_Without_) Why don’t you open the door? _Countess._ Because----I’m alone. _Count._ Alone! Who are you talking to then! _Countess._ To you, to be sure--How could I be so thoughtless--This villainous Figaro. _Page._ After the scene of the great chair this morning he will certainly murder me if he finds me here. _Countess._ Run into my dressing-room and lock the door on the inside. (_the Countess opens the door to the Count._) _Enter the_ COUNT. _Count._ You did not use to lock yourself in, when you were alone, Madam! Who were you speaking to? _Countess._ (_Endeavouring to conceal her agitation_) To--To Susan, who is rumaging in her own room. _Count._ But you seem agitated, Madam. _Countess._ That is not impossible (_affecting to take a serious air_) We were speaking of you. _Count._ Of me! _Countess._ Your jealousy, your indifference, my Lord. {{_Count._ “I cannot say for indifference, my Lady, and as for jealousy, you know best whether I have any cause. _Countess._ “My Lord! _Count._ “In short, my Lady, there are people in the world, who are malicious enough to wish to disturb either your repose or mine. I have received private advice that a certain Thing called a Lover-- _Countess._ “Lover! _Count._ “Ay, or Gallant, or any other title you like best, meant to take advantage of my absence, and introduce himself into the Castle. _Countess._ “If there even were any one audacious enough to make such an attempt, he would find himself disappointed of meeting me; for I shall not stir out of my room to-day. _Count._ “What, not to the Wedding? _Countess._ “I am indisposed. _Count._ “Its lucky then that the Doctor is here.”}}