MISS COEURNE (pleadingly). Well, I won't hide myself a second time.--I won't do it again ... GERARDO. Really, my child, I haven't any more time. It's too bad, but I am about to leave town. I told you, did I not, that I am sorry for you? I really am, but my train is scheduled to leave in twenty-five minutes. So what more do you want? MISS COEURNE. A kiss. GERARDO (standing up stiff and straight). From me? MISS COEURNE. Yes. GERARDO (putting his arm around her, dignified, but sympathetic). You are desecrating art, my child. Do you really think it's for this that they are willing to pay my weight in gold? Get older first and learn to respect more highly the chaste goddess to whom I devote my life and labor.--You don't know whom I mean? MISS COEURNE. No. GERARDO. That's what I thought. Now, in order not to be inhuman, I will present you with my picture. Will you give me your word that after that you will leave me? MISS COEURNE. Yes. GERARDO. Very well, then. (Walks back of the table to sign one of his photographs.) Why don't you try to interest yourself in the operas themselves rather than in the men on the stage? You may find it to be a higher enjoyment, after all. MISS COEURNE (in an undertone). I am too young. GERARDO. Sacrifice yourself to music! (Comes forward and hands her the photograph.) You are too young, but--may be you'll succeed in spite of that. Do not see in me the famous singer, but the unworthy tool in the hands of a master. Look around among the married women you know; all of them Wagnerians! Study his librettos, learn to feel each leitmotiv. That will keep you from committing indiscretions. MISS COEURNE. I thank you. GERARDO (escorts her out into the hall, rings for the valet in passing through the door. Returns and picks up again the piano arrangement of "Tristan and Isolde;" walks to the right). Come in! Scene V GERARDO. VALET. VALET (panting and breathless). Yes, Sir? Your orders? GERARDO. Are you standing at the door downstairs? VALET. Not at present. Sir. GERARDO. I can see as much--simpleton! But you won't let anybody come up here, will you? VALET. There were three ladies inquiring about you. GERARDO. Don't you dare admit anybody, whatever they tell you. VALET. Then there's another batch of letters. GERARDO. Yes, never mind. (Valet puts letter on tray.) Don't you dare admit anybody! VALET (at the door). Very well. Sir. GERARDO. Not even, if they should offer you an annuity for life. VALET. Very well, Sir. [Exit.] Scene VI GERARDO. GERARDO (alone, tries to sing). "Isolde! Beloved! Art thou ..." I should think these women might get tired of me _some_ time! But, then, the world holds so many of them! And I am only one. Well, everybody bears his yoke and has to bear it! (Walks to the piano and strikes two thirds.) [Illustration: SIEGFRIED WAGNER]