Good-day, then, Leonore, or rather good-morning, for, as I see, you are still in your dressing-gown and probably have just risen from your couch." "It was four o'clock in the morning when the guests departed and I could go to rest," she said, still retaining her recumbent attitude.
"It is true, the entertainment lasted a very long time," he cried, dropping unceremoniously into the armchair which stood beside the divan.

"Moreover, it is true that you were an admirable hostess and understood how to do the honors of your house most perfectly.

The gentlemen were all completely bewitched by you, and, in my character of your uncle and social guide, I received more clasps of the hand and embraces than ever before in my whole life." "I can imagine how much it amused you," she said coldly and indifferently.
"Yes," he cried, laughing, "I admit that it amused me, especially when I thought what horror and amazement would fill these haughty aristocrats who yesterday offered me their friendship, if they knew who and what we both really were." "I wish they did know," she said quietly.
"Heaven forbid!" he cried, starting up.

"What put such a mad, preposterous wish into your head ?" "I am bored," she replied.

"I am weary of perpetually playing a farce." "But how are we playing a farce ?" he asked in astonishment.