Jenny I intended to shut her in her chamber for a moment. It caused howlings hard to describe. She battered the wall with her head from rage. I said to open everything. No one can stop her. But, I see her coming. Alas, she changes her manner and dress every moment. (Enter Arabella, dressed as Scaramouche with a guitar.) Arabella (singing) All night long, A mean old tomcat Sits watching me on the sly. Oh, he's crazy. Couldn't he just Be made to break his neck? Worthy In spite of her illness, Scratch--what a--! Scratch I love her more this way than another who is quite sane. Arabella (singing) Couldn't he just Be made to break his neck? (speaking) You're in the same line of work? Musicians, listen: I am as you, a musician. Vain, very spoiled--but I work for very little money. A child of do, re, me, fa,--and so on. I'm irritated. From one part of the world to the other, they speak of my talent. In a certain duo which I find excellent--'cause it's mine. I wish you'd both tell me frankly what you think of it. Albert (alarmed) Ah, my dear Jenny! She's lost her reason. Jenny Who knows better than I? Didn't I tell you so, didn't I tell you that? (Arabella sings a little prelude.) Scratch I like that, sir. Her madness is a little racy. Albert (concerned) Her eyes are troubled, and her face is haggard. Arabella (presenting her hand to Albert, then roughly pulling it away, while letting Worthy kiss the other) I love artists! Touch it! Touch it! The tune you will hear is in A minor. It's my favorite. Music is lively, bizarre, petulant, and very enjoyable. The movement is light, new, quick and forceful. It sent me looking, a few days ago to soothe the melancholy humor of a man confined to bed with paralysis for whom I sang a certain dance. Three wise doctors came to his house, the nurse, the patient, and an old apothecary who came to exercise his grave ministry without respect for his profession took me by the hand and danced till dawn. Scratch (having conceived the idea for Worthy to grab Arabella's hand and dance off with her) Behold a faculty to dance in the round and exit this street all in step. That'd be nice, sir. Worthy What, wretch, you can laugh, seeing her in this frightful disorder? Arabella Wait, soft--my musical demon disturbs me, seizes me; I dithyramb. The hairs on my head stand up in horror. Don't bother the God that puts me in this fury. I feel that my excitement will reveal itself in tones. (tossing about and spitting in Albert's face) Pouah! I had a deity in my throat, or rather in the duo which is in question. You will see excitement best--and passion. I succeed better in the one and the other. Here's your part--and you, yours. (giving a paper with music to Albert and a letter to Worthy, then tosses about and prepares to sing) Scratch Let's stand back a bit. I'm afraid of the gods. Jenny We'll soon be having a fine chivaree.