La Traviata

Act 2 Scene 1

Location: Violetta and Alfredo's country house located in the outskirts of Paris.

(Three months later, Violetta has chosen Alfredo than the life of being a courtesan. They bought a country house near Paris so they can live together and at one home.)

(Violetta rides a carriage towards Paris. Then Alfredo enters, riding a horse. He stopped the horse and entered the house.)

Alfredo: (speaking to himself) I have no joy when she is far away. Three months have passed since she gave up for me a life of ease, luxury, love affairs and the pomp of society, where, surrounded by adoration, she enslaved all with her beauty. Now happy in this quiet country home, she has forgotten everything for me. And here, near her, I feel like a man reborn! Invigorated with the pulse of love. I have forgotten the past in the joy of being with her. The Violent fire of my youthful spirit was tempered with the quiet smile of her love! Ever since the day she said "I want to live only for you." I seem to live in heaven, unmindful of the world.

(Annina, Violetta's maid enters, dressed for traveling)

Alfredo: Annina, where have you come from?

Annina: From Paris.

Alfredo: Who sent you?

Annina: My mistress.

Alfredo: Why?

Annina: To take the horses, the carriages, and everything else that is hers.

Alfredo: What is this?!!!

Annina: it is very expensive living here

Alfredo: Annina, what are you hiding from me??

Annina: I was sworn to silence.

Alfredo: Sworn?! Tell me, how much is needed?

Annina: A thousand Louis.

Alfredo: Go now. I shall go to Paris.
Madam must never know if our talk!

(Alfredo leaves. Violetta enters with various papers on her hand. She speaks to Annina.)

Violetta: Where's Alfredo?

Annina: He just left for Paris.

Violetta: When will he come back???

Annina: Before evening. He asked me to tell you.

Violetta: How strange!

Commissioner: (he hands her a letter)
For you.

Violetta: (taking the letter) Good, in a few minutes, a man is coming for business, show him immediately!

(She opens the letter and reads it)

Violetta: Ah, Flora has found my hideout. She invited me to a party this evening. She'll wait for me in vain!

Commissioner: A gentleman to see you!

Violetta: It must be the man I'm expecting. She gestures Annina to let him in. Giorgio Germont enters.

Giorgio: Madamoiselle Valéry?

Violetta; I am She.

Giorgio: I am Alfredo's father!

Violetta: You!

Giorgio: Yes, the father of this reckless lad who is rushing to his ruin because of you!

Violetta: I sir am a woman and in my own home! please excuse me more for your sake than mine.

Giorgio:What spirit! And yet......