human
I believe a light is dawning in my mind, said I to Cosima.
gpt
Wait for me where you are.
human
My friends, I said to them,
gpt
Not at all, not at all, replied Servais.
human
I don't feel equal to anything of the kind.
gpt
Not in the service of the Master?
human
One can always try,
gpt
That is something like! Now you see, Servais, you can't get out of it. We must improvise a first class charade for this evening.
human
A charade! Before Wagner, we two alone?
gpt
With Richter at the piano.
human
But we shall be absurd! We shall be speechless, like idiots.
gpt
On the other hand the presence of the Master will inspire us. Moreover, we have had experience at your house in Munich, and it is very certain that only we two (you especially) have shown any talent of this kind.
human
It is foolish, impossible, abominable, groaned Servais, in the depths of dismay.
gpt
I would rather throw myself into the lake.
human
It is not a drama that they want of us, but a farce.. .. Oh, come, they will not be critical, and perhaps we shall have the glory of amusing the Master.
gpt
Very well, so be it. Let us play a charade!
human
Ah, good! We must have everything arranged before supper. Let me tell the good news to Madam Cosima, and then we must get to work!
gpt
I see that you have thought of something,
human
Yes, we will play a charade.
gpt
A charade? Splendid! I do not know exactly what that is, but I am sure that it is something good.
human
As to that, you must risk the pillage of your wardrobe.
gpt
I risk it. They shall open the cupboards and the drawers for you. Take anything you like, except, perhaps, my India shawl, which I cherish very much.... But you must tell me exactly what you are going to do, so I can explain it all to Wagner; otherwise he would torture his mind in the effort to comprehend.... I am sure that he hasn't the slightest idea what a charade may be!