me? You are only one of many. My manager insists on my
assuming this august manner on the stage. You see there's more to it
than mere singing. I simply have to play the part of Tannhaeuser that
way. Now be good, my child. I have only a few moments left. Let me use
them in preparing for tomorrow.

MISS COEURNE (rises, dries her tears), I cannot imagine another girl
acting like me.

GERARDO (man[oe]uvering her to the door). Quite right, my child ...

MISS COEURNE (gently resisting him, sobbing). At least not--if ...

GERARDO. If my valet were not guarding the door downstairs.

MISS COEURNE (as above). --if--

GERARDO. If she is as pretty and charmingly young as you.

MISS COEURNE (as above). --if--

GERARDO. If she has heard me just once as Tannhaeuser.

MISS COEURNE (sobbing again violently). If she is as respectable as I!

GERARDO (pointing to the grand piano). Now, before you leave, take a
look at those flowers. Let it be a warning to you, if you should ever
feel tempted again to fall in love with a singer. Do you see, how fresh
they are, all of them! I just let them fade and go to waste or give
them to the porter. Then look at these letters. (Takes a
handful from the tray.) I know none of the ladies who have written
them; don't you worry. I leave them to their fate. What else can I do?
But, you may believe me, every one of your charming young friends is
among them.

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