lf at the piano again_) The
polonaise--if you please, Countess. (_He begins the accompaniment_)

FREDERIQUE (_singing_)

"Titania, airiest queen of fairies,
Has descended from her blue cloud throne,
And her way across the world is wending
More quickly than the bird or lightning flash..."

AMADEUS (_interrupts his playing and lets his head sink forward_) No,
no--it's no use!... Please tell the director that he will have to look
after your part himself. As for me, I have certain regards even for
people who go to the opera in Summer. They should not be forced to
accept _anything_. Tell the director, please, that I send him my
regards and that--there are more important things to occupy my time.
(_He closes the score_)

FREDERIQUE (_quite amicably_)

I believe it. How's your opera getting along?

AMADEUS

For the Lord's sake, please don't pretend to be interested in things of
that kind! Why, nobody expects it of you.

FREDERIQUE

Will it soon be finished?

AMADEUS

Finished...? How could it be, do you think? I have to conduct two
nights a week at least, and there are rehearsals in the morning, not to
mention singers that have to be coached.... Do you think a man can sit
down after an hour like _this_ and invite his muse?

FREDERIQUE

After an hour like _this_...? I don't think you feel quite at your
ease with me, Amadeus.

AMADEUS

Not at my ease? I? With you?--I don't think you have imagined in your
most reckless moments, Countess, that my wife might have anything to
fear from you.

FREDERIQUE

You are determined to misunderstand me. (_She has gone to the fireplace
and turns now to face Amadeus_) You know perfectly well why you pretend
to be cross with me. Because you are in love with me.

AMADEUS (_looks straight ahead and goes on playing_)

FREDERIQUE

And that chord proves nothing to the contrary.

AMADEUS

That chord.... Tell me rather what kind of chord it is. (_He repeats it
in a fury_)

FREDERIQUE

A flat major.

AMADEUS (_in a tone of boredom_)

G major--of course.

FREDERIQUE (_close by him, with a smile_)

Don't let that semi-tone spoil our happiness.

AMADEUS (_rises, goes toward the background and looks out into the
garden_)

FREDERIQUE

Is it your wife?

AMADEUS

No, my little boy is playing out there. (_He stands at the window,
waving his hand at somebody outside; pause_)

FREDERIQUE

You take life too hard, Amadeus.

AMADEUS (_still at t