So he did. But he didn't have to use fraud to get in. Being a nephew of the Baroness, there was no reason why he should resort to such methods. AMADEUS Oh, yes, I didn't remember that. CECILIA And by the way, the Director asked very eagerly about you. AMADEUS He thinks a great deal of me.... CECILIA (_with a smile_) Yes, he really does. The moment your new opera is ready.... AMADEUS And so on! (_He goes on eating_) It surprises me, however, that he should ask you about me. CECILIA Why does that surprise you? AMADEUS (_as if meaning no offense_) Well, it rather surprises me that he should connect our respective personalities to that extent. Hasn't Berlin heard yet that we are going to be divorced? CECILIA Why ... what does that mean? AMADEUS (_laughing_) Rumors to that effect are afloat. CECILIA What? Well, I declare! AMADEUS Yes, it's incredible what the popular gossip can invent. It's even in the newspapers. His Highness the Prince Sigismund Maradas-Lohsenstein is going to lead you to the altar. The necessary dispensation will be furnished by the Pope. Idiotic--isn't it? CECILIA Yes.--But, my dear, you say nothing about what is still more idiotic. AMADEUS And what can that be? CECILIA That you are on the verge of believing this piece of idiocy. AMADEUS I...? How can you.... Oh, no! CECILIA You haven't considered, for instance, that I am three years older than he. AMADEUS (_startled_) Well, if it's nothing but those three years of difference in.... CECILIA No, it isn't that. No, indeed! Even if I were younger than he, I should never think of it. AMADEUS But if his devotion should prove more deeply rooted than you have supposed so far? CECILIA Not even then. AMADEUS Why? CECILIA Why...? I know that it couldn't last forever anyhow. AMADEUS Have you the end in mind already? CECILIA I am not saying that I have it in mind.... But I don't doubt it must come, as it always comes. AMADEUS And then...? CECILIA (_shrugs her shoulders_) AMADEUS And then? CECILIA How could I know, Amadeus? There are prospects of so many kinds. AMADEUS (_cowering a moment before those words_) Yes, that's true. Life is full of prospects. Everywhere, wherever you turn, there are temptations and promises--when you have determined to be free, and to take life lightly, as we have done.... That's what you meant, was it not? CECILIA Yes, precisely. AMADEUS Tell me, Cecilia.... (_He draws closer to her_) There is one thing I should like to know--whether Sigismund has any idea that your mind is harboring such thoughts--which, after all, would appear rather weird to the other party concerned. CECILIA Sigismund...? How can you imagine?! Such things you admit only to your friends. (_She gives her hand to him_) AMADEUS (_in the same friendly manner_)