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THE MAKROPOULOS SECRET

Yes, certainly.

Were you in the theater last night? Did you like me?

Of course, my lady. [Attempting a compliment] Quite a Strada.

Did you ever hear Strada sing? Listen. Strada shrieked. She had no voice.

Well, Strada died a hundred years ago.

All the worse. You should have heard her. Strada! Why do people talk of Strada?

I beg your pardon, I—of course I didn’t hear her, but as history relates

[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.

You know best—in these matters concerning music.