the evening from
her mistress, when the latter enters, by telling her that an aunt if
hers is ill, and wishes to see her. Rosalind, however, refuses to let
Adele go out, and the maid disappears pouting. While Rosalind is
alone, her former singing master and admirer Alfred, suddenly turns up.
He it was who had been serenading her, and Rosalind, succumbing to her
old weakness for tenors, promises to let Alfred return later, when her
husband is not at home. Herr Eisenstein, a banker, has just been
sentenced to five days' imprisonment, a misfortune which his hot temper
has brought upon him. The sentence has been prolonged to eight days
through the stupidity of his lawyer, Dr. Blind, who follows Eisenstein
on to the stage. The banker finally turns Dr. Blind out of the house,
after upbraiding him violently.--Rosalind tries to console Eisenstein,
and finally decides to see what a good supper will do towards soothing
his ruffled spirits. While she is thus occupied Eisenstein's friend
Dr. Falck appears, bringing his unlucky friend an invitation to an
elegant soiree which Prince Orlofsky is about to give.--Eisenstein is
quite ready to enjoy himself before going to prison, and when Rosalind
reenters, she finds her husband in excellent spirits. He does not,
however partake of the delicious supper she sets before him, with any
great zest. But he takes a tender, although almost joyful leave of his
wife, after donning his best dress suit. Rosalind then {481} gives
Adele leave to go out, much to the maid's surprise. After Adele has
gone, Alfred again puts in an appearance. Rosalind only wishes to hear
him sing again, and is both shocked and frightened, when Alfred goes
into Herr Eisenstein's dressing room, and, returns clad in the banker's
dressing gown and cap. The tenor then proceeds to partake of what is
left of the supper, and makes himself altogether at home. But a sudden
ring at the door announces the arrival of Franck, the governor of the
prison, who has come with a cab to fetch Eisenstein. Rosalind is so
terrified at being found tete a tete with Alfred, that she introduces
him as her husband. After a tender farewell, Alfred good-naturedly
follows the governor to prison.

The second act opens in the garden of a cafe, where the guests of
Prince Orlofsky are assembled. Adele enters, dressed in her mistress's
best gown, and looking very smart. Eisenstein, who is also present, at
once recognizes her, as well as his