Countess (sotto voce): This man is irritating me! If Mr. Flatternot reached major, I think he will teach my son to reach the same.
Wisely: Have no doubt of that; he will teach your son to receive promotion in the service of his country, and not by bowing in great gentlemen’s antechambers.
Countess: Maid! Call Count Basil here.
Maid: He is not pleased to come.
Count: Ask him from us. (Enter the young Count and nurses.)
Nurse: Come here, Count dear.
Second Nurse: Please come here, your highness!
Third Nurse: Your hand, please, your highness!
Young Count (running up to her and giving his hand): There, kiss it.
Countess: Count Basil, friend, embrace me.
Young Count (holding out his hand to her): There, mother. (Holding out his hand to Wisely.) There.
Wisely: I, friend, do not intend to kiss your paw; give it to the Count, your father.
Count: And I don’t want to.
Young Count: Why? You kissed it yesterday, father.
Count: Shame before a strange person.
