and forming the entrance from the garden. Beyond, the balustrade of the
terrace leading into the garden; a glimpse of lindens and pine-trees. A
magnificent day in the beginning of September. Empire furniture of
lemonwood decorated with bronze. A large china stove in the centre of
the wall on the left. In front of it a door. On the right, two doors.
The first leads to the apartments of_ MARIA LOUISA. _In front of the
window on the left at the back an Erard piano of the period, and a harp.
A big table on the right, and against the right wall a small table with
shelves filled with books. On the left, facing the audience, a Recamier
couch, and a large stand for candlesticks. A great many flowers in
vases. Framed engravings on the walls representing the members of the
Imperial Family of Austria. A portrait of the Emperor Francis._
_At the rise of the curtain a group of elegant ladies is discovered at
the further end of the room. Two of them are seated at the piano, with
their backs to the audience, playing a duet. Another is at the harp.
They are playing at sight, amid much laughter and many interruptions. A
lackey ushers in a modestly dressed young girl who is accompanied by an
officer of the Austrian Cavalry. Seeing that no one notices their
entrance, these two remain standing a moment in a corner. The_ COUNT DE
BOMBELLES _comes in from the door on the right and goes toward the
piano. He sees the young girl, and stops, with a smile._
THE LADIES.
[_Surrounding the piano, laughing, and all talking at
the same time._]
She misses all the flats!--It's scandalous!--
I'll take the bass!--Loud pedal!--One! Two!--Harp!
BOMBELLES.
[_To_ THERESA.]
What! You!
THERESA.
Good-day, my Lord Bombelles!
A LADY.
[_At the piano._]
_Mi, sol._
THERESA.
I enter on my readership--
ANOTHER LADY.
[_At the piano._]
The flats!
THERESA.
It's thanks to you.
BOMBELLES.
My dear Theresa! Nothing!
You are my relative, and you are French.
THERESA.
[_Presenting the officer._]
Tiburtius--
BOMBELLES.
Ah, your brother!
[_He gives him his hand and pushes forward a
chair for_ THERESA.]
Take a seat.
THERESA.
I'm very nervous.
BOMBELLES.
[_With a smile._]
Heavens! What about?
THERESA.
To venture near the persons o
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