RODRIGO--Maybe I ought to have asked your permission first? What were my thanks here for having freed you from prison at the cost of my health? You abandoned me! I might have had to turn porter if this girl hadn’t taken me up! At my entrance, the very first evening, somebody threw a velvet-covered arm-chair at my head! This country is too decadent to value genuine shows of strength any more. If I’d been a boxing kangaroo they’d have interviewed me and put my picture in all the papers. Thank Heaven, I’d already made the acquaintance of my Celestine. She’s got the savings of twenty years deposited with the government; and she loves me just for myself. She doesn’t aim at vile vulgarities and nothing else like you. She’s had three children by an American bishop--all of the greatest promise. Early day after to-morrow we’re going to get married at the registrar’s. LULU--You have my blessing. RODRIGO--Your blessing can be stolen from me. I’ve told my bride I had twenty thousand in stock at the bank. LULU--[_Amused._] And after that he boasts the woman loves him for himself! RODRIGO--She honors in me the man of feeling, not the man of force as you and all the others have done. That’s well over now. First they’d tear the clothes from one’s body and then waltz around with the chambermaid. I’ll be a skeleton before I’ll let myself in again for such diversions! LULU--Then why the devil do you especially pursue poor Geschwitz with your proposals? RODRIGO--Because the thing is of noble blood. I’m a man of the world, and can do distinguished conversation better than any of you. But now [_with a gesture_] my talk is hanging out of my mouth! Will you get me the money before to-morrow evening, or won’t you? LULU--I have no money. RODRIGO--I’ll have hen-droppings in my head before I’ll let myself be put off with that! He’ll give you his last cent if you’ll only do your damned debt and duty by him once! You lured the poor lad here, and now he can see where to scare up a suitable engagement for his accomplishments. LULU--What is it to you if he wastes his money with women or at cards? RODRIGO--Do you absolutely =want=, then, to throw the last penny that his father earned by his paper into the jaws of this rapacious pack? You’ll make four people happy if you’ll strain a point and sacrifice yourself for a philanthropic purpose! Has it got to be only Casti-Piani =forever=? LULU--[_Lightly._] Shall I ask him perhaps to light you down the stairs? RODRIGO--As you wish, Countess! If I don’t get the twenty thousand marks by to-morrow evening, I make a statement to the police and your salon comes to an end. Auf Wiedersehen! [HEILMANN _enters, breathless, upper right_.] LULU--You’re looking for Miss Magelone? She’s not here. HEILMANN--No, I’m looking for something else---- RODRIGO--[_Taking him to the entry-door, opposite him._] Second door on the left. LULU--[_To_ RODRIGO.] Did you learn that from your bride?