. . . I get a twinge of remorse. It will be different when he has gone. . . . Yet I shouldn't want to see him go empty handed. . . . And neither would I want him . . . ever to find out that
Count—Rely on me. The papers shall be forged carefully enough to deceive a bank president. I'll go to the cashier this minute. . . . Paula, you have made me very happy. [He takes her hand and kisses it.] If I were twenty years younger I suppose I would have kissed you on that red, young mouth of yours.
Paula—Careful! Someone is coming.
Count—[Still holding her hand; is about to kiss her.] No. . . .
Paula—I heard the outer door.
Count—Nonsense! [As he bends toward her again Juhasz enters at left.]
Juhasz—Excellency, some of the pigeons have flown away.
Count—[Does not resent this interruption; very jovially.] No matter, Juhasz, they'll come back. [He exits at left. There is a pause.]
Juhasz—He touched you. . . . He touched you with his hands.
Paula—He kissed my hand.
Juhasz—If I hadn't come in he would have kissed your cheek. This can't go on, you poor child, you are in serious danger.
