LULU. (_Pleased and gay._) I want to stay here. I can never be happy in any other city. You must tell him that you can't live without him. Then he'll feel flattered and be gentle as a lamb. You must pay the coachman, too: give him this paper with the address on it. 376 is a sixth-class hotel where they're expecting you with him this evening.
GESCHWITZ. (_Shuddering._) How can such a monstrosity save your life? I don't understand that. You have conjured up to torture me the most terrible fate that can fall upon outlawed me!
LULU. (_Watchful._) Perhaps the encounter will cure you.
GESCHWITZ. (_Sighing._) O Lulu, if an eternal retribution does exist, I hope I may not have to answer then for you. I cannot make myself believe that no God watches over us. Yet you are probably right that there is nothing there, for how can an insignificant worm like me have provoked his wrath so as to experience only horror there where all living creation swoons for bliss?
LULU. You needn't complain. When you *are* happy you're a hundred thousand times happier than one of us ordinary mortals ever is!
GESCHWITZ. I know that too! I envy no one! But I am still waiting. You have deceived me so often already.
LULU. I am yours, my darling, if you quiet Mr. Acrobat till to-morrow. He only wants his vanity placated. You must beseech him to take pity on you.
LULU. I await you, my heart. I shall not open my eyes till you come: see no chambermaid, receive no hair-dresser, not open my eyes before you are with me.
LULU. But you must throw yourself at his head, dear! Have you got the house-number?
GESCHWITZ. Three-seventy-six. But quick now!
LULU. (_Calls into the dining-room._) Ready, my darling?
RODRIGO. (_Entering._) The ladies will pardon my mouth's being full.
GESCHWITZ. (_Seizing his hand._) I implore you, have mercy on my need!
RODRIGO. A la bonne heure! Let us mount the scaffold! (_Offers her his arm._)
LULU. Good-night, children! (_Accompanies them into the corridor.... then quickly returns with Bob._) Quick, quick, Bob! We must get away this moment! You escort me! But we must change clothes!
BOB. (_Curt and clear._) As the gracious lady bids.
LULU. Oh what, gracious lady! You give me your clothes and put on mine. Come! (_Exeunt into the dining-room. Noise in the card-room, the doors are torn open, and Puntschu, Heilmann, Alva, Bianetta, Magelone, Kadidia and Ludmilla enter, Heilmann holding a piece of paper with a glowing Alpine peak at its top._)