THE MAKROPOULOS SECRET
act ii
Vitek
Yes, certainly.
Emilia
Were you in the theater last night? Did you like me?
Vitek
Of course, my lady. [Attempting a compliment] Quite a Strada.
Emilia
Did you ever hear Strada sing? Listen. Strada shrieked. She had no voice.
Vitek
Well, Strada died a hundred years ago.
Emilia
All the worse. You should have heard her. Strada! Why do people talk of Strada?
Vitek
I beg your pardon, I—of course I didn’t hear her, but as history relates
Emilia
[Imperiously]
Listen. History lies. I will tell you something. Strada shrieked and Carrona had a frog in her throat. Agajari was a goose and Faustina breathed like a balloon. That is history for you.
Vitek
You know best—in these matters concerning music.
[ 63 ]
