(_Long pause. Several times he tries to speak. She laughs gently. Then she sings and plays the song from "Mamselle Nitouche"_):
A minuit, apres la fete, Rev"naient Babet et Cadet; Cristi! la nuit est complete, Faut nous depecher, Babet.
Tache d"en profiter, grosse bete!
Farilon, farila, farilette.
J"ai trop peur, disait Cadet-- J"ai pas peur, disait Babet-- Larirette, larire, Larirette, larire.-- -- --
(_Friedrich at first listens against his will, even makes a step toward the door. By and by he becomes fascinated and finally is charmed. When she finishes, he puts his stiff hat on the table and walks toward her with a blissful smile._)
RITA: Now? You even smile? Did I impress you?
FRIEDRICH (_drops down on his knees in front of her_): Oh, Erna, you are the most charming woman on earth. (_He kisses her hands wildly._)
RITA (_stoops down to him, softly and merrily_): Why run away? Why? If you still love me, can you run off--you mule?
FRIEDRICH: Oh, I"ll remain--I remain with you.
RITA: It was well that you missed the door.
FRIEDRICH: Oh, Erna----
RITA: But now you"ll call me Rita--do you understand? Well? Are you going to--are you going to be good?
FRIEDRICH: Rita! Rita! Everything you wish.
RITA: Everything I wish. (_She kisses him._) And now tell me about your moral demand. Yes? You are delightful when you talk about it. So delightful.