Page:Karel Čapek - The Absolute at Large (1927).djvu/78

 are both welcome; but listen so that you may see that it is by grace I know you. You, gamekeeper, drink far too much; you drive the poor from the forest, and curse and swear even when there is no need. Do it no more. And you, Mr. Hudec, are a better-class thief. You know very well what I mean. And you're shockingly bad-tempered. Faith will reform and redeem you."

Utter stillness reigned on the deck. Mr. Hudec gazed steadfastly at the floor. The gamekeeper sobbed and sniffed, and fumbled with trembling hands for his pocket.

"I know what it is, gamekeeper," said Kuzenda gently from above. "You'd like to smoke. Don't be afraid to light up. Make yourself quite at home."

"Look at the little fish," whispered the young girl, pointing down to the smooth surface of the Vltava. "Look, Joe, the carp have come to listen, too."

"They're not carp," came from the exalted Kuzenda. "They're perch or dace. And, Mr. Hudec, you mustn't worry about your sins. Look at me: I once cared for nothing but politics. And I tell you, that, too, is a sin. There's no need to weep, gamekeeper; I didn't mean to be hard on you. He who once experiences grace can see right into men's hearts. You can see into people's souls too, can't you, Brych?"