human
Rudi,
gpt
Have you any commission, Mimi? asks Scirocco, with his good-natured obligingness, as he enters the room. The Countess has dismissed her maid, is already in dinner toilet, suppressed laughter sparkles in her bright brown eyes, the corners of her mouth twitch merrily.
human
No! she replies to his question.
gpt
What commission should I have for you!--Ah! You came from the greenhouse?
human
Yes. I wished to give the gardener some directions in regard to the flowers for your guests. I remember that Elsa cannot bear gardenias, and Linda--hm--the Lanzberg raves over stephanotis.
gpt
You really might have omitted the bouquets today, says Mimi, vexedly.
human
My greenhouses without this--thanks to the fair and those stupid theatricals--are pretty well stripped.
gpt
Elsa has never dined here without finding her favorite flowers beside her plate, remarked Scirocco, calmly.
human
I can neither pass over Linda, nor will I punish Elsa for the misfortune of having a Miss Harfink for sister-in-law. Why are you laughing so, Mimi, what seems so amusing to you?
gpt
My own simplicity, cries the Countess.
human
I was so very stupid.
gpt
Mimi, I do not understand you in the least,
human
Oh, I took your protection of this pretty Lanzberg for unselfish philanthropy!
gpt
Unselfish philanthropy! Say rather ordinary justice, cries he, becoming somewhat violent.
human
What are you thinking of? What are you driving at?
gpt
Your discretion is admirable! You understand no hints.
human
Ah, indeed! cried Scirocco, pale with rage.
gpt
Ah, indeed! and the Cantharis told you that--that was what you were laughing over so immoderately?
human
But Rudi, never mind. I do not take it amiss in you,
gpt
But I take it amiss in myself to have given rise by my thoughtless inconsiderateness to such infamous inventions! cried Scirocco,
human
There are cases where perjury is permissible, says the Countess, indifferently.
gpt
Do not trouble yourself, I will never speak of the matter.
human
Mimi! cries he, hoarsely,
gpt
Pardon, Rudi, whispers the Countess,
human
I had not thought.
gpt
Never mind that, Mimi, he murmured,
human
Poor Felix! he murmured thoughtfully and sadly,
gpt
I can do nothing more for you; they have tied my hands.